Phil SumblerEthan Laird is a player loving life, loving his footballing decisions and a player in superb form at the moment thanks to a loan switch back in the summer that he describes as a no brainer.
Laird joined the Swans on a season long loan from Man Utd back in the summer and has been an instant hit in Russell Martin’s team, adding vital width that has been lacking in recent seasons and also creating goals in recent weeks as the style of play Martin is adopting is coming more and more to the fore.
The youngster was on loan with Martin at MK Dons last season and drew rave reviews then so he says that when the chance to join Swansea – at a higher level – came up the decision was a no-brained and he jumped at the chance.
“I’ve taken a lot from stepping up to the Championship after playing in League One last season,” he told Wales Online
“There is a step in the intensity and the physicality, in the speed of the play. It demands a lot of you, but that’s what I want, it is great for me.
“I had options in the summer but this was a no-brainer. I know I will learn here, I know I will improve here.”
Laird is clearly someone with a promising future ahead of him and even in his short time in South Wales you can see additional progress within his play, some of which is down to his talent and some around to how the players around him are adapting to the changes in our own play.
As someone who played under Russell Martin last year, Laird knew exactly what to expect when he arrived in South Wales and added how he encouraged the team to adapt to those changes and enjoy what was coming “When I came here, I had obviously worked with the gaffer before, so I knew about the style of play,” he added.
“It was different for quite a few of the lads, but I could say to them that if it is given time we are going to enjoy it and we are going to do well.
“It’s an enjoyable way of playing, and recent results have started to reflect that.”
Everything is falling into place for Laird who is one of those players who appreciates the move, the area and is determined to take the chances afforded him to ensure that he delivers on the potential that he has.
“I have been loving the games, I have been loving getting to know the lads and I have been enjoying getting to know the area.
“It’s all been great so far, I’m a happy guy. I have every reason to be smiling.”
And long may all that continue.
