'Youngsters can thrive under Potter'

Jay Fulton believes Swansea City’s academy graduates have already started to reward Graham Potter for showing faith in them.

Fulton scored the winner against Preston on Saturday at the Liberty as the Swans recorded their second consecutive Championship victory.

The young Scot was included in a starting XI alongside fellow countryman Oli McBurnie and local products Joe Rodon and Connor Roberts.

Rodon, who joined the club’s academy at the age of eight, made his debut in the heart of defence and impressed alongside Mike van der Hoorn.

All four of the youngsters had been nurtured in the Swans’ academy set-up prior to being promoted to the first team.

And Fulton believes their promising performances are reward for the opportunity handed to them by Potter.

“There were a number of players in the team on Saturday who have played at under-23 level and progressed from there,” said Fulton, who has made 27 appearances for the Swans since joining from Falkirk in January 2014.

“We are all stepping up together with experienced players helping the boys.

“Joe was outstanding on his debut and that is helping with the team spirit because we have a good youth of mix and experience.

“I think he will take it in his stride. He dealt with everything well, he is quick at the back and a good player to have in the squad.

“It is always nice to see players you have played with step up and getting a chance. Hopefully together we can all stick in the team.”

Fulton’s header proved the difference last weekend against Preston as he nodded Joel Asoro’s cross over keeper Declan Rudd.

It was the midfielder’s first league goal for the club, and the 24-year-old – who finished last season on loan at Wigan – is enjoying life under new Swans boss Potter.

“Going on loan is difficult but it has helped prepare me for first-team football in the Championship,” said Fulton.

“Hopefully I can look to stake a claim in the squad this season.

“The games come thick and fast in the Championship. We need to use everyone in the squad but everyone is more than ready to come in and show what they can do.

“It has been good to work with the manager. A lot of change has happened this season, but he has got everyone together playing forward attacking football.

“It has been enjoyable, training is good and everyone is just looking forward to matchdays.”