Russell Martin | Matty will bring personality and versatility

Russell Martin has backed new Swansea City signing Matty Sorinola to bring personality and versatility on the pitch after sealing a loan move for the wide man.

The 21-year-old will spend the 2022-23 season with the Swans after joining from Belgian top-flight side Union SG, subject to international clearance.

Martin played alongside and then coached Sorinola during his time at MK Dons, with the youngster flourishing under the former Scotland defender.

The head coach had been interested in linking up with his former charge in January, and he is delighted to have added Sorinola to his squad on the back of the acquisitions of Nathan Wood and Harry Darling.

“Matty is a brilliant player and a brilliant young man,” said Martin.

“He understands what we want and has been a part of that process and done incredibly well in it.

“He has not played as much as he wanted to last season, but once he knew we were interested he was only going to come here, even though there was a lot of interest elsewhere from the division we are in.

“That was down to the strength of the relationships he has with the coaching staff, and guys like Harry and Fish. It put us in good shape to get him.

“I have no doubt we will get an even better version of him than we had at MK, and it is great we have got the deal done so early so he can have these five weeks to get used to the boys and the place.

“He will love it, he is very adaptable and he brings real pitch personality. He has composure, calmness and a swagger in his own way.

“He is a humble person, but he is willing to be aggressive and he is hungry and was desperate to come to Swansea.

“When I first played with him he had played as a number 10 as he is technically gifted, he has played out wide and he originally came through as a full-back.

“But we found a home for him, if you could design someone to play the role of wing-back he would be very close to what you would draw up.

“He is a really good signing for us and he will offer us versatility and something different to what we already have.”