Rob DaviesSwans boss Russell Martin was keen to heap praise on both Jamie Paterson and Michael Obafemi who both combined for the only goal in the win against Blackburn Rovers.
Martin now hopes that Paterson’s return to the team and subsequent performance will mean that there’s no need to talk about his omission from the first team for the past six weeks.
Paterson’s deep cross from midfield set up Obafemi at the back post and showed what Swansea have been missing in recent weeks, with a lack of cutting edge in front of goal. Joel Piroe is likely to be breathing a sigh of relief also, with his last League goal coming with Paterson in the team.
Martin also said that First Team Coach Matt Gill has been working with Obafemi on his heading to support his movement, and was delighted that the work on the training ground paid off, along with the striker’s improved attitude.
“The fans the way they reacted to Pato coming in helped everyone. It certainly helped him and it certainly helped the team,” Martin told the press after the match.
“The last half an hour the place was bouncing and they played a massive part in how we held on and kept a clean sheet.
“We spoke about it before as a group of staff and I was pretty confident he would be welcomed positively because of what he’s done this season.
“I don’t see it as Pato’s fault. It’s really difficult to ignore the noise at times as a professional footballer, he wasn’t able to do that very well, especially with social media and everything.
“Thankfully I don’t think we have to talk about that ever again. He played brilliantly, he lasted 90 minutes somehow. Olivier [Ntcham] had to come off. He sets up a goal, a couple of moments of madness when he was tired, but we accept that with Pato.
“He’s one of the bravest players we have. I’m just delighted he’s back and I’m delighted we’ve been able to maintain a brilliant relationship.”
Reflecting on Obafemi’s goal and performance, he said: “His positioning has been great, something we work on a lot and his finish is really nice, and more importantly what he’s put in for the team over recent weeks has been really great.
“He deserved that today. I’m really pleased for him. It takes some people longer than others to feel settled and to understand what they’re part of. He’s been on the pitch more because he’s deserves to be.
“He’s becoming accustomed to what is expected of him. The fans have really taken to him and I think that helps him and he needs to carry on doing what he’s doing.”
Swansea take on Stoke away on Tuesday in another tough encounter before coming back to SA1 to face Bristol City next Sunday.
