Ben Davies may only be in his second season of top level football but he could easily be forgiven for thinking that it os only good times given the experience he has already had.

It was the 25th August 2012 when Ben made his debut for the Swans coming on for the unfortunate Neil Taylor who had just broken his leg against Sunderland. And in that period of just over 18 months the local lad has played over 70 times for the club, won the Capital One Cup, represented his country and now played in Europe - not bad for someone that does not turn 21 until April.

Ben was part of the side that last night fought so hard in the Stadio San Paolo before going down to two late goals from Napoli which ended their European adventure at the last 32 stage and denied them a trip to another European giant in Porto.

Jonathan De Guzman's goal seemed to have potentially put the Swans on course for one of the biggest upsets of the season but it was not to be as the better side over the two legs succumbed to Napoli and now have just Premier League points to play for between now and May.

It was the Swans most successful run ever in Europe and with a win over Valencia in the Mestalla amongst their scalps it was little wonder that Ben talked after the game about the Swans wonderful experience on their 12 match European tour.

“It has been an enjoyable experience, and a tough one too given the fixtures we have had,” said the Wales international.

“But this may happen once in a lifetime for some of us so it’s a great experience and something we will always remember.

“It is disappointing in the end, but looking back we have to be very, very proud of our performances."

The Swans welcome Crystal Palace to the Liberty on Sunday knowing that a victory would go along well to sealing their Premier League place for next season with the bottom half of the table extremely tight and the defender believes that their European experience will help them in the coming matches

“We come away with the respect of a lot of people after these performances, and I think it will help us too in the league.”

Photo: Action Images

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