Russell Martin has confirmed that Jamie Paterson is in contention to make a shock return to the Swansea City squad for Saturday's trip to Luton Town.
The forward has been omitted from the first team picture since December amid questions over his attitude and application for the Swans, and was widely expected to leave in the January transfer window.
There were strong links with a move to Coventry City, with Sky Blues boss Mark Robins believed to be an admirer of the 31-year-old's ability, but a move never materialised. It seemingly left the player in a state of limbo in recent weeks, and his subsequent absence sparked fresh speculation over his future at the club.
Despite having another year on his current deal, a contract that was negotiated after another high-profile stand-off, the feeling has been over the last few weeks that Paterson wasn't a part of Martin's plans.
Asked on the latest situation around the forward, Martin said. “Jamie Paterson will be in the squad, we have had some good conversations, he has trained really well and his energy has been brilliant. I think as a group we can do with him, as players and a staff. He’s back in the squad so it’s up to him to get out on the pitch.”
Paterson hasn't played since the trip to Reading just after Christmas, but with nine goals and nine assists to his name last season, he may yet have something to offer a Swans side which is low on confidence following a run three wins in 20 games in all competitions.
Martin has no fresh injury concerns heading into the clash with the Hatters, and clearly needs a positive result to ease some of the pressure which has started to build in recent weeks.
The Swans once again found themselves on the end of stinging criticism from fans during the 1-1 draw with Rotherham United, and Martin admits the players were surprised by the reaction from some supporters, particularly when the team headed into the break 1-0 up.
"Not much surprises me in football, but I think the players were really frustrated, surprised and disappointed, as were we, that we were 1-0 up and getting booed after like 10 minutes," he said. "1-0 up at half-time and getting booed.
"Again we have to accept that. That's where everyone's at. It's fine. You can accept it at the end of a game if it's not been a good performance.
"Monday night wasn't the best performance by some stretch. I accept that. I always try to be honest with you guys. I think I've sometimes been far too honest and give you guys soundbites that can be taken out of context.
"That level of anxiety, anger and frustration with the crowd has definitely transmitted to me, to the players. But I'm done feeling all that. It's absolutely pointless and I can't help the players if I feel like that. I spoke about it not helping the players on the pitch, but I do understand it. That's the role I'm in."
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