Russell Martin says Wayne Routledge will always have a part to play at Swansea City during the manager's time at the club.
Routledge is currently recovering after suffering a serious knee injury during the play-off semi-final second leg clash with Barnsley three months ago.
The winger was released by the club earlier this summer after his contract expired, although he was offered a one-year contract extension.
It's understood the 36-year-old is yet to sign the deal given that his focus has been firmly on returning to full fitness.
But Martin has been grateful for the impact Routledge has had on the training ground, with the head coach adding that the winger has a significant role to play at the club, whether on or off the pitch.
READ MORE: Russell Martin thanks owners for Flynn Downes backing as Swansea City boss expects more signings
"Any player who's been here for that length of time and has done so well has got a part to play here, whether it's on the pitch or off the pitch whilst he's recovering," he said.
"He's brilliant. I've seen already the way he interacts with the young players. He's been out to watch training.
"We've had a lot of guys coming to watch training. Leon Britton came in, Kris O'Leary and the guys came from the academy, and the quicker everyone gets to know how we work and the process, the easier it becomes for everyone, and Wayne is part of that.
"We've had a couple of chats. I really like him, I admire what he's done in his career, he's had a brilliant career. I hated playing against him.
"He's got an important part to play, whether he's recovering or whether he's fit. He's at the stage of his career where he gets to decide, not us. But he's always got a space at the club while he's here because of what he's done."
For the latest Swansea City news and analysis delivered straight to your inbox, you can sign up for our newsletter.
