Ryan Manning | It came out of the blue, but I was ready to go

He may not have expected to be in the starting line-up, but Ryan Manning was delighted to play his part in an important Swansea City win after getting the late call to feature against Watford.

The Republic of Ireland was originally named among the substitutes for the clash with the Hornets but, when Joel Latibeaudiere suffered a calf problem in the warm-up, he was promoted to the starting XI.

He completed his final warm-up just before his team-mates emerged from the tunnel to take the field alongside him.

Manning fitted in at left wing-back, with Jake Bidwell shuffling inside to centre-back, and the pair linked well as the Swans contained the threat of Ismaila Sarr while also causing a fair few problems of their own down that side.

And, while Manning’s final moments of preparation may not have been the norm, he was chomping at the bit to make the most of his second start following his move from Queens Park Rangers, and felt the Swans’ performance highlighted the work done with the whole squad by the coaching team.

“I was out taking free-kicks with Michael Eames with a few minutes until kick-off,” said Manning of the late call.

“It was a strange one, but I think it was one of those where you’ve warmed up, you know things like that can happen.

“It was a close turnaround but it was just a case of get ready, get your kit on and get out there and do what I am here to do.

“It was a bit strange already being on the pitch when the rest of the lads came out of the tunnel, but you have to always be prepared and it was a good result, and that is the main thing.

“We are all there to be ready, we all train, we all have to be on our mettle and pay attention to the preparation so we can be ready if things like that happen.

“We all came together and got the result, I have been waiting for the opportunity, and it felt great to be part of a result and a performance like that.

“We are where we want to be at the turn of the year.”