Swans captain Garry Monk believes that football needs people like Kris O'Leary
And Monk should know - he rooms with Kris on away trips and is all too aware of the input and impact that he has on Roberto's squad despite not being one of the regular starters.
332 appearances for Swansea over 13 years and a countless host of managers earned O'Leary his day in the spotlight today with the visit of West Brom to the Liberty Stadium. And there are hopes that a decent sized crowd will turn out to welcome the Swans into the new season with the first of two final home friendlies before the real business at Charlton next week.
Speaking to today's Western Mail, Monk and his manager were under no illusions that the occasion is a well deserved one with Monk saying “Football needs more people like Kris
“People that play for the love of a club, not money.
“Kris has done everything Swansea could have asked of him over the years. And everyone connected to the club will be thanking him for that today.
“This game means so much to him and everyone is really happy for Kris. Not many people get testimonials nowadays and it shows he is something special.
“He has been through the good and bad here and that experience is priceless when the lads need advice. When you need calm heads in the dressing room Kris is there and that sort of character is invaluable.
“He may not play as many games anymore. But, when he does, he is Swansea through and through, giving everything he has for the shirt.”
Whilst his manager added “Unfortunately these days you don’t get many players that want to give their all to one club for 10 years, that is why Kris really deserves his day.
“He is always a reliable figure and there are not many better words in football than reliable. In difficult times you know you can depend on him. He is a little bit of an example for the others. And it shows there are rewards out there for people who are loyal.
“This will be a unique occasion in the history of Swansea City. When you look for loyal servants at this football club, they don’t come any better than Kris O'Leary.
“Without a doubt, they (West Brom) were the best team in the Championship by a mile last season and we are looking forward to hosting a Premiership club. It will be a good taster of things to come for the fans and a tough test for the players.
“But it’s a game where the result doesn’t count and we all hope Kris has the day of his life. Without any pressure on the game, everyone can just enjoy the football.”