Jamie Paterson was at home, he was without a club after being unsuccessful with a trial at Middlesbrough, and he was pretty certain life this season wouldn’t be as it had been for all his professional career.

Then the phone rang, it was Russell Martin. The first thing Martin did when appointed Swansea City boss was call Jamie Paterson. And as he revealed this morning, it’s all about timing, So much of football is about timing and opportunity the head coach told a press conference on Friday.

"I think he’s fitting in really nicely for us. He was the first guy we called when we took over because we realised his situation. Fortunately the owners supported us and I think he’s probably exceeded a lot of peoples’ expectations. "We wanted him so badly because we understood the role we wanted him to play and thought he fitted perfectly. So we’re really fortunate he came here and bought into the project. The style of play really appealed to him. I think now even more than ever, he sees the benefit of what we’re doing and how we’re working as a group, how much his team-mates value him and how important he is to them and they are to him”

Paterson couldn’t have been more delighted to hear from Russell Martin, he has had a few seasons of injuries, let downs which have affected his performances on the touch. And fast approaching thirty there is always an element of doubt. "Hopefully he can keep growing with us. I think the fans really love Pato and I think he feels so accepted here. Whenever you’re trying to perform, if you don’t feel that, it becomes difficult. When you feel that, you feel confident. "And he’s kept fit which is really important. He’s had a really tough last couple of years with injuries. Hopefully he can maintain that and I think he’s looking forward to every minute he gets on the pitch at the moment."

The swans boss confirmed again he has a fully fit squad to choose from and is delighted that Jamie Paterson continues to excel in training, working hard and wanting to be a part of the Swansea journey. It’s clearly paying off as he is having one of his best seasons ever as a professional. The swans depart for the north east later this afternoon with one thing in mind, Three points and a return to the top half of the championship table.

Photographs licensed from Reuters

Swansea City Polls