‘Top-class’ Narsingh on road to Swansea return
GRAHAM Potter has revealed that Swansea City’s forgotten man Luciano Narsingh will play for the club’s under-23s next week as he bids to step up his return from injury.
The Dutchman is yet to feature for the first team under Potter this season and suffered a setback earlier on in the campaign when he suffered a hamstring injury.
Narsingh was listed among the substitutes for the 3-0 FA Cup third round win over Aston Villa last time out, although he looks set to miss out on the matchday squad for the Championship clash at Preston North End this weekend.
But Potter has heaped praise on the 28-year-old for the way he has conducted himself this term, adding that he’ll assess the winger’s situation after his next run-out with the club’s youth side.
“He’s a fantastic lad, a great boy, trains well every day, but unfortunately he’s been out for a long while with an injury,” said Potter.
“So, he’ll play probably in the Under-23s in the next week because he needs that game, and from there we’ll assess what he needs to get into our team.
“All the players think sometimes they want a different challenge or to play more. Lots of things could happen this month, but he’s been topclass in terms of the group and as a person.”
Narsingh is one of a number of players tipped for the exit door this month as the Swans continue with the restructuring process that started following the club’s relegation from the Premier League in May.
And Potter re-iterated that all players currently at the club will be considered for selection providing that they are fit, although he concedes that some members of his squad may be eager to negotiate moves away from SA1 if they don’t gain regular first team action with the Swans.
“We had 24 players training today, it was a really good session,” added the Swansea manager.
“Everyone is trying and showing what they can do and I think while players are here, they’re considered for selection.
“At the same time, they’re professionals and they may want to play more than they have. Then there has to be a solution that suits everybody but I can’t control that.”
Potter also gave an update on the fitness on Tom Carroll.
The midfield has been absent from the squad for the best part of three months.
The last game he featured in was the 3-1 win over Blackburn in October. He was subbed at half-time against Rovers and due to a hip complaint hasn’t been seen since.
The weeks have dragged on, but it seems Carroll could be back sooner rather than later.
Asked about the state of his squad and fitness issues, Potter said: “No (issues). Just Tom Carroll and Martin (Olsson). Tom, we’re hoping for him to be training on Monday.
“He’s had setbacks and it’s been a bit complex to get the actual diagnosis.
“We think we’ve got that now. He’s had an injection, but it’ll be nice to have him back with us.
“We’re confident we can find a solution without having (surgery). He’s responded really well and has worked hard.
“He’s got the technical quality and he was enjoying his football before he had the problem. It’s unfortunate for him and we want as many good players as possible.”
Potter confirmed that the sickness bug that had affected his selection at Aston Villa last weekend had cleared.
Swansea go into their Championship clash with Preston on the back of consecutive wins against Reading and Villa.
They currently sit in 12th place in the league table, five places and seven points better off than Alex Neil’s men.