Potter still cautious over his star men

SWANSEA City boss Graham Potter has urged caution over the returns of Wilfried Bony and Jefferson Montero.

The duo are the only ones on the injury sidelines at present, with the Ivorian having been ruled out long term last February, while Montero suffered a thigh complaint last month.

Both have been a miss for Swansea in different ways, but the encouraging thing is both are now back out on the training pitch.

The boss, however, says patience will be key for both players.

He said at his pre-Aston Villa press conference: “We had Wilfried back for his first session with the group.

“He left the last 10 or 20 per cent of sessions as we are building him up. So it is day to day. It’s tricky to give you a time for a game, the fact he has done so much work means he is strong and fit and now he has to adapt an we have to go on how he feels and monitor it. I don’t think he is going to be too far away.

“There is no point rushing him, it’s unfair on him and the lads to do that. We have to do our best with him, but he trained well and we will see.

“Montero has been out on the grass the last few days, he was a bit slow to start with but he is getting better and in a couple of weeks he should not be too far away. He is unique with his qualities, he has been missed but that’s part of life and we need to learn from what’s happened before.”

Montero’s absence has been keenly felt over the past few weeks, especially due to the electric start he made to the season.

Coming off the bench, the Ecuadorian has provided matchwinning contributions against Sheffield United and Millwall.

Asked if the winger offered something different, Potter responded: “Absolutely, he has done it at a level ahead of the Championship, he has done it in the Premier League. He is some threat.”

Swansea head to Villa Park in what will be Dean Smith’s first game in charge. Potter was full of praise for his opposite number, citing his work at Brentford as evidence of his credentials.

He said: “It’s a smart move, Dean Smith is a top coach, he has great knowledge of the division and Brentford were one of the best sides in the league so I am pleased he gets that opportunity.

“Then some of John Terry’s stature, ready to learn but with influence in the dressing room will add plenty. They are professional guys and I expect they will be ready, they will be strong. We have to understand that and be good and brave ourselves and rise to the occasion.”