Ryan Bassett benefitting from Butler’s influence

Ryan Bassett says he is constantly learning from central defensive partner Scott Butler in the heart of the Swansea City Under-18s back line.

The pair have regularly featured together for the young Swans this term, including the hard-earned victory over Colchester United on Wednesday.

That gave Byron Anthony’s side their first clean sheet of the campaign, with Bassett and skipper Butler proving too stubborn for the in-form visitors with some solid blocks during the latter stages.

First-year scholar Bassett, who hails from Carmarthen, has appeared frequently during his first full season with the under-18s.

And the 17-year-old has been grateful for the guidance he has received along the way from Butler, who has also been a regular feature with the under-23s this campaign.

“You learn so much from Scott,” Bassett said.

“He’s always talking and demanding; he’s made things a lot easier for me.

“When you’re nervous, he builds your confidence up and it helps me a lot.

“Playing alongside him has been massively important for me this season.”

Bassett could partner Butler again on Saturday, when the under-18s welcome Nottingham Forest for another Professional Development League South encounter at Landore.

And the centre-half hopes he and his team-mates can build on their momentum from Wednesday’s win over Colchester.

“We controlled the game, scored early and managed the game well,” he added.

“We were pretty solid at the back and didn’t give them many chances.

“The last few weeks have been pretty tough, but we’ve managed to turn it around.

“Hopefully, we can get some more points and push into the top half of the table.”