Planet Swans ArchivesPratley has put in some poor performances in recent weeks with supporters pointing the finger at his reluctance to sign his new contract as the reason behind them.
But Brendan believes that is not the case of someone he describes as a good professional and suggests that he is being made a scapegoat.
“It’s the same for any player in that situation. If you don’t sign your contract it can leave you open for that (becoming a scapegoat). The only way you can deflect that is with your performance level, simple as that.” he told the Western Mail
“For supporters who want to know what Darren Pratley is like – he’s a wonderful professional.
“He is a guy who lives his life to be a footballer and his professionalism can never be questioned.
“He is proud to play for Swansea and there is absolutely no way he is a player who pulls out of tackles or avoids anything like that because he is in the last year of his contract.
“I would not want to isolate Darren in any way, he is a player, like all players here, who gives me everything every day.
“They might not always be at their best, but I know they have always given me their best.
“He is in a situation in the middle of his career where he needs to make a decision and the decision has been not to sign a contract,” said Swansea manager Rodgers.
“Has it effected him? I would think he is the only one who can answer that.
“He has continued to work well and I will judge him the way I judge every other player and, if I feel they are not performing consistently over a period, then I may need to look at the balance of the team.
“He had a good season last season and maybe he was asked to play in a slightly different role, I’m not sure.”
