Izzy Iriekpen

Swansea City AFC.co.uk Comment:

Izzy Iriekpen was signed on the 22nd of August 2003 from West Ham United on a free and impressed Brian Flynn during his trial and earned himself a short team contract before making his debut away at Oxford United where the Swans were defeated 3-0.

Izzy, real name Ezomo, is a tall 6 ft 2inch central defender, who is strong, a good tackler and very quick.

He went on loan last season in the Third Division with Leyton Orient and Cambridge United and netted 2 goals in 18 matches in total.

He missed the start of the 2004/2005 season due to injury but he made an excellent return when he scored the winner against Lincoln at the Vetch. Another injury meant he was out of action again but he soon returned to the first team with Monk out suspended. Iriekpen is no doubt our fastest centre back at the club and he was a regular in the side in the 2005/06 season until it was ended early by a long-term injury. Along with Watt's injury that also ended his season, our defence became affected as we started to concede silly goals.

I'm sure Iriekpen will be a first team regular next season. Monk could partner him considering Jackett has chosen him as team captain although Steven Watt and Kevin Austin will also be competing for places.