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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

'Going to be special' - Russell Martin's glowing assessment of Swansea City star as boss reveals what impressed him most against Peterborough

Russell Martin admits he was grateful for the work rate of his Swansea City players in what proved to be a dominant 3-0 victory over Peterborough United.

The Swans looked re-energised given the absence of a midweek fixture as they secured their fourth consecutive home league triumph.

Victory lifted Swansea up to 13th in the Championship table ahead of consecutive away games against Coventry City and Bournemouth prior to the final international break of the year.

And Martin could not hide his delight with the endeavour his players showed in the emphatic win against Darren Ferguson's outfit.

"A good day. Not quite perfect, we gave up a couple of chances in the first half which we were a bit annoyed about, but apart from that, I thought the guys were outstanding," said the head coach.

"I think the start of the game just summed them up. The intensity, the attitude, their approach to the game.

"They're building connections all the time and they are willing to run really hard for each other which for us guys standing on the sidelines watching is the best feeling.

"The football is incredible, some of the stuff they play is amazing, but their willingness to work for each other and to work to help get us to our vision for the team, I'm really grateful for that. They're proper. They're a really top group of players. I'm proud of them today."

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Jake Bidwell notched his second goal of the campaign early on to give the hosts the perfect start at Swansea.com Stadium.

Joel Piroe doubled his side's lead with what was his ninth goal of the season in all competitions before Olivier Ntcham struck his first home goal to make it 3-0 on the brink of half time.

And Martin paid tribute to Piroe and Ntcham following their latest exploits at the business end of the pitch.

"I couldn't believe it went in, on his weaker foot. He's in a really good vein of form, he's enjoying himself and he's feeling really confident," Martin said when asked about Piroe.

"He worked so hard for the team and some of his actions off the ball were incredible.

"Olivier is going to be special. He possesses such talent but such a humility. The way he interacts with his team-mates, his professionalism, he's an impressive human being.

"I think the crowd like it, and I'm really pleased he scored today, I think it'll do him the world of good.

"He's building up fitness and he's another one who has probably had less game time than a lot of others because he came in late then he had a little injury.

"He'll get better and better, but today I thought he was top."

Swansea take on Coventry on Tuesday night before facing league leaders Bournemouth four days later.

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