Swansea City manager Russell Martin has confirmed his decision to rest Rhys Williams on Wednesday has paid off after the Liverpool loanee was injured against Hull City last Saturday.

Albeit the injury was only slight Martin reiterated again in his Luton Town press conference that the decision most likely prevented Rhys from a longer lay off, had he played against Millwall. Williams impressed on his debut last weekend to the extent his quality in the back four almost certainly requires him to be first choice in the centre of defence at Luton.

Having impressed two years ago at Kidderminster Harriers on loan. and then in seventeen first appearances last season for Liverpool. Martin recently disclosed that it was Liverpool who contacted Swansea City when Williams became available reinforcing Swansea City’s standing within the hierarchy of the top clubs in the premier league. The clubs ability to develop and integrate young players in to their first team has seen players such as Marc Guehi and Rhian Brewster make twenty million pound plus moves in the last two seasons.

Martin was extremely pleased when Williams joined the swans on loan. “The guys we’ve brought in have really strengthened us,” he said. They have real athleticism, they all really wanted to be here, they’ve all got a brilliant mentality, because they’ve played at a really high level. “They’re all at a good age, but have relatively good experience. Rhys played in one of the best teams in the country and did brilliantly towards the end of last season. Olivier’s played at a club with a huge expectancy to win every single week, he’s played in the Champions League”

Williams as well was more than pleased to join the swans for the season “I am buzzing, I have heard nothing but good things about the club and the manager from a few of the lads back at Liverpool, so I am delighted to be here,” said Williams, who played in a 4-2 win at Old Trafford last term, as well as against a Tottenham side featuring Harry Kane and Son Heung-min. “I am looking forward to getting some good results on the board and keeping us moving forward. I spoke to a few players about it, and they all spoke so highly of the football and the place itself, it’s a club with a good history behind it. “I was keen to come here, it was one of the places I wanted to come to because of the football they play. I believe it will stand me in good stead for next season”

Continuing his,praise for the club Williams mentioned just how much of an opportunity being in Swansea means to him. “It was a once in a lifetime experience and I hope I can take what I learned and show that here. I have played against some good players, and every game comes with a different challenge, so I hope that shows in my time here. “I am looking for regular football and I hope I can find that here at Swansea.”

Rhys Williams will almost certainly return to the Swansea City back four for tomorrow afternoons championship game at Luton Town, most certainly a welcome return.

Photographs licensed from Reuters

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