Your latest Swansea City headlines for Friday, September 17.
Allen opens up on new role
Mark Allen has opened up on his discussions with Russell Martin since becoming Swansea's new sporting director.
Welshman Allen joined the club as academy director in January but was promoted to his current role in August following the arrival of Martin from MK Dons.
He has played a key part in recruitment over recent weeks, and Allen is now bidding to assist Martin in all football matters as the club continues to adjust under the new regime.
“We are in the same building. We probably speak about five, six, seven times a day," he said.
"That relationship is key to the overall development of the team and the way forward. I know Russell from my time at Rangers.
“We talk about various things, it could be players on the radar, improvements in our process and procedure, it could be the latest technology that’s around, academy players coming through, the general running of the operation in terms of travel.”
And on Martin's coaching style, Allen said: “He resembles what I consider to be the modern-day coach, who is aware and embraces all aspects of the football world.
“He is someone who appreciates and respects the contributions from other areas into the overall football plan.”
Luton changes expected
Russell Martin admits he will most likely freshen up his squad for Saturday's trip to Luton.
The 35-year-old made two changes to his starting line-up from the 0-0 draw with Hull City for Wednesday night's stalemate against Millwall.
And with Swansea playing for the third time in eight days this weekend, Martin is expected to make changes to his starting XI for the clash with the Hatters.
"I think that was evident after the game with how many tired bodies we had on the pitch," he said.
"We have a lot of games, we’re going to need everyone, we have a big cup game next week which is of real importance for us so we have to take that into account.
"In terms of tomorrow, we’ll have to see how they've recovered but there are a couple who will be in need of a rest, whether that is starting and not finishing the game, or whether that is coming on to finish the game."
Walsh on his return from injury
Liam Walsh admits he relished his return to action after six weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
The midfielder came on in the second half of the draw with Millwall to make his first appearance under the new regime.
And the 24-year-old says he's been hugely frustrated with having to watch on from the sidelines since sustaining the injury against Southampton on July 31.
“I’ve been looking forward to it since I found out I was in the squad on Tuesday, I've been waiting for my chance from the gaffer, he told me to keep patient and my time will come,” he said.
“I’ve been working very hard and I’m grateful that I came on to make my league debut, it would have made it even better getting the three points.
“It’s been very frustrating, I’ve been dying to play. The way the gaffer has the lads playing football, it’s been looking really enjoyable from the sidelines."
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