Neil Taylor may have had one of the shortest close season breaks ever but he is fit and ready to go as the Swans head out to Germany this week for the first of their pre-season friendlies.

Taylor - who earned himself a new contract at the end of last season - had just ten days gap between helping Wales to their famous 1-0 win over Belgium at the Cardiff City Stadium and coming back to pre-season training with the Swans.

And with Wales seemingly heading towards the European Championship finals in France next summer then it looks like it could be some time before the defender gets a proper break from the action.

But rather than bemoaning his plight which is the norm for so many players, Taylor is enjoying the way that things are going and revealed that it was Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben who inspired him to enjoy the way things are

“We’ve had two solid weeks of training with double sessions already, and that will pay off throughout the season.

“Everyone came back in great shape, while for me it was a little different as I was on Wales duty which meant I only had ten days away. The rule of thumb in football is that you only start to lose your fitness if you’ve had two weeks off, so I’ve not been affected really.

“But I don’t mind that at all. I was told by a manager once that if you’re not getting a break then you’re a successful footballer.

“I remember watching a programme about Arjen Robben once and he hasn’t had a summer off for about ten years because he’s been involved in the Euros and World Cup with his country while being at big clubs has meant he’s been involved in Champions League finals.”

Taylor faces stronger competition for his place this coming season with the summer capture of Franck Tabanou but with the attitude of Taylor then you have to know that we have a great position for the coming season particularly with the left back position occupied by someone with the right kind of attitude.

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