Swansea ace Matt Grimes outlines the 'biggest mistake' of his nightmare Leeds United loan spell

Swansea City midfielder Matt Grimes has opened up on the "biggest mistake" he's made in his football career when discussing his time at Leeds United.

Joining the Welsh side from Exeter City back in January 2015, the 24-year-old headed out on loan to Blackburn Rovers 12 months later to get some first-team football under his belt.

His time at Ewood Park saw him make 13 appearances in the Championship and he was soon on the move again ahead of the 2016/17 campaign as he joined Leeds United on loan.

However, his move to West Yorkshire didn't go to plan at all despite reuniting with former Swans boss Garry Monk.

Leeds United loss of matchday income

Grimes only made 12 appearances during his time at Elland Road and he believes that may have had something to do with the fact that he assumed he would play week in, week out because of his previous experience in the division with Blackburn.

"That summer I went away with England Under-21s, so obviously that gives you so much confidence," he said on the Konversations with Kenji podcast, as reported by WalesOnline.

"I was thinking 'I'm in a really good position now to have a good season on loan with a Championship club'.

"I'd played in the Championship with Blackburn so I knew I was good enough.

"But the biggest mistake I made going to Leeds, I thought, 'I've played in the Championship, I'm coming from a Premier League team to a Championship team, I know the manager, Garry Monk at the time, I'm guaranteed to play'.

"That is the biggest mistake I've made in my career to date, and hopefully I don't make another one like it.

"I was a little bit naive to the size of club Leeds were. As a youngster at the time, I didn't realise how big a club it was, and the fan base.

"I just thought I was going to play every week and get my career going again. But that was my biggest mistake, just thinking it's all going to happen."

Grimes is now playing a key role at the Liberty Stadium and he was made captain of the club by boss Steve Cooper last summer.

The former Exeter City man has made 38 appearances in all competitions for the Swans this term.