Craney Thanks Fans For Reception

Ian Craney said the standing ovation he received from the Liberty Stadium faithful settled his nerves as he was thrown into a Swans debut in an entertaining nil-nil game with Bristol City on Sunday.

Craney came on for Kevin Amankwaah during the second half to a loud welcome reception and slotted into midfield alongside his skipper Darren Pratley. Craney, who signed on loan with a view to a permanent move last week immediately looked at home for a player who only came into league football at the start of this season

"I'm confident in my own ability that I can make the step up," Craney told the Western Mail

"I think I can play to a high standard. I know I've got the ability to do that and now I've got to prove it.

"The next step is to try and get in the team, and when you get a chance you've got to take it. There's some good players here and you've got to show you deserve to be on that pitch with them. I can't wait to try and do that."

Leon Britton was also refusing to be downhearted over a weak header that could have won the game with the very last touch of the ball

"The Scousers have been giving me a bit of stick for that one," said Leon

"But it was nice praise from the manager and it's great that he shows faith in me. Hopefully I can repay him on the pitch.

"It's a big turnaround for me as a few years ago I was struggling to make the team.

"But I've worked hard on the training ground. I've kept my head down and always believed that it would come good"

Photo: Action Images

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