Richards Keeps His Feet On The Ground

18 year-old Jazz Richards says he isn't getting carried away after playing his first games this season in the first team.

New Manager Paulo Sousa has been a huge benefit for the youngsters at the club. Casey Thomas was given his chance to shine in a pre-season friendly while Jazz Richards replaced Angel Rangel at right back during his suspension.

Despite his complete lack of experience at playing at this level, Richards performed impressively against the likes of Middlesbrough, Preston, Bristol City and Doncaster and like Joe Allen, Richards is definitely a player to look out for in the near future.

Richards said:

'It has come so quickly. I didn't expect to be involved in so many games already for Swansea,'

'I was expecting to play in the pre-season friendlies and maybe be on the bench a few times during the season.

'But I've been thrown into the deep end a little and I've done all right.

'Getting to play against Middlesbrough was magic. Despite the result, making your first appearance for your hometown team is a special feeling,'

'In my first start at Preston I was pretty nervous, but as it was away I wasn't too bad.

'In front of your own people at the Liberty, it is much worse. You have 15,000 Swans fans depending on you and that is a lot of pressure.

'I have a lot of mates who follow the Swans and family too, and I just want to do my best for them and the club.

'But it has gone pretty well for me so far.'

Darren Pratley highly praised Richards a few weeks ago and he obviously delighted to receive such compliments:

'When I read that in the Evening Post it gave me a huge boost,' said Richards.

'Prats was my idol when I was in the youth team — he was the player I wanted to become.

'I watch him in training, along with Leon and Joe, and I pick up a lot.

'I've been fortunate enough to play for Wales Under-21s, which was a huge achievement.

Despite having an excellent start to the season, Richards is refusing to get carried away with the whole experience and he wants to keep his feet firmly on the ground.

'I am 18 and I have a few years left in the under-21s category so hopefully I can pick up a lot of experience in that time.

'But despite what people are saying about me, or what I am achieving, it is important to stay focused.

'I'll never get big-headed. I couldn't allow myself to be like that, and my family and friends wouldn't either.

'It would be easy for some people at my age to get carried away, but I keep my feet on the ground because I set my targets higher and higher.

'I'll never be content with what I am doing.'

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