Swansea City Oliver McBurnie Premier League 2

Swansea City striker Oliver McBurnie expressed his delight at netting the Under-23s' winner in the Premier League 2 victory over West Brom on Monday.

The young Swans, who included senior players Neil Taylor, Ki Sung-Yueng and Gerhard Tremmel in their starting XI, played out a competitive but goalless first half at Landore.

McBurnie, who featured in all six pre-season matches for Francesco Guidolin's first-team, took advantage of a loose ball at the back to lose his marker and net the winner after 74 minutes.

The 20-year-old, who scored eight goals for the development squad and three in League Two whilst on loan at Newport last season, was pleased to be back on the scoresheet.

"It feels really good to get back out there and to kick the season off with a win," said the Scotland Under-21 international, who also scored a stunning goal in the senior side's pre-season tour win over Charlotte Independence.

"I enjoyed my pre-season time with the first-team. When with them there is always that doubt in the back of your mind whether you are going to be good enough.

"But I am confident in my own ability. It was great to prove to myself and everyone else this summer that I can take that step up when needed.

"Those experiences and the goals I scored have given me confidence and definitely helped me prepare for this season.

"I want to repeat what I achieved last season and without being greedy push on and do more. I always want to score goals whether it is with the U23s, on loan or with the first team.

"The fact I am scoring can only be a good thing - long may it continue."

Changes to the Premier League's development structure this season sees the next generation of Swans players included in an Under-23s division, with more scope for coaches to include older players.

Both sides fielded a mix of youth and experience as West Brom lined up with three over-age outfield players and one in goal in international first-team players Cristian Gamboa, Sebastien Pocognoli and Callum McManaman along with keeper Boaz Myhill.

Playing with and against experienced players is something McBurnie believes can only help the U23s progress. 

"You can see tonight the league being turned into an U23s league has definitely made a difference," he added. "It is always better when there are a few first-team players in games like this. It helps make them more competitive.

"You also learn from players like Tayls and Ki. Tonight, Tayls pulled me to one side at half-time and gave me a few pointers on areas I could improve for the second half and it helped.

"It's great when players who have been there and done it all can give you their words of wisdom. It can only help younger players develop their game."