“It’s As If The King Has Returned”

Britton returned to Swansea City from Sheffield United yesterday just eight months after he left on a free transfer.

And he will go straight back into the squad to face Barnsley at Oakwell on Saturday with the praise of his manager fresh in his mind

“Talking to people, it’s as if the king has returned,” Rodgers told the Evening Post.

“I think we have made a lot of people happy by bringing Leon back because he is a wonderful person and, more importantly, a wonderful player.

“It’s a wonderful signing for this club.

“Leon has shown in the last three or four seasons that he can be a very big player in the Championship.

“I know from looking on as a manager on the outside, he was a player who was regarded as pivotal to the way Swansea play.

“His experience will be a big asset for us this season and looking further into the future as well.

“It was clear to me when I spoke to Leon that he wanted to come here and I’m delighted to have got him,” Rodgers added.

“If I hadn’t take him now, I wouldn’t have been happy further down the line needing someone else in Leon’s position.

“We have a core of midfielders who have done very well, but Leon adds something to that.

“He has had one training session with the lads and he looks like he’s never been away.

“If you ask whether bringing him in is going to make this club stronger of have a negative effect, there is only one answer.

“He is a top player and a top character. You could see that from the way the other players greeted him.

“He left the club last summer but, as I’ve said to him, we all make mistakes. I made one by leaving Watford (for Reading), but the important thing is that you learn from those mistakes.”