Mark Gower believes that in Joe Allen Swansea have a better player than Darren Pratley

Mark Gower believes that in Joe Allen Swansea have a better player than Darren Pratley

Gower was full of praise for his team mate ahead of Pratley's return to the Liberty Stadium this weekend - praise that increased after the midfielder scored his first Premier League goal last weekend at Wolves.

"At this stage of Joe's career he could turn out to be anything he wanted," said Gower.

"He tries hard in training every day and he's only 21 so who knows how good he could be or what type of player he's going to be.

"He's got a good engine on him, he never shirks a tackle and he's now showing he can score goals.

"In training he can finish and sometimes he looks like a natural finisher.

"Everyday he's looking to improve and I'm sure he will continue to.

"Darren is a box to box player. I'm not saying Joe is a better player than Darren, but he's got more to his game," Gower added.

"He's comfortable on the ball and can pick a pass out.

"Darren was very energetic and tenacious all over the pitch and he scored goals.

"I think Joe is more of a rounded player, but I'm sure with the confidence he's got now he can go on and maybe get ten goals a season."

Gower also laughed off suggestions that he was making passes like David Silva or Juan Mata after his perfect pass to Danny Graham for the opening goal last weekend - a comment made by Brendan Rodgers after the weekend game

"He's definitely joking," smiled Gower. "Seriously, you work on things in training and it was nice that it came off.

"I was pleased with it until I saw David Silva chest the ball down and volley it right through the middle of Manchester United. That was a great pass.

"Thankfully I've had a few starts now and hopefully I'm beginning to show why I'm in the team.

"I had to wait for my chance, then Kemy got injured and I stepped in.

"Hopefully if I can keep performing and the team keeps winning, I can keep my place."

Photo: Action Images

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