Garry Monk echoed the words of his manager ahead of the game at the City Ground

Monk was backing his Swansea City team mate Darren Pratley to show Nottingham Forest what they missed out on during the summer through what ended to be a fruitless chase.

Speaking to the Evening Post, Monk said "He's a big part of the team and you can see from his performances where his mind is

"Prats has been playing very well and he's running all round the pitch fighting for every ball.

"He's a Swansea player, has tremendous respect for the club, manager and players and loves the club.

"He could easily have handed in a transfer request but he has too much respect for the players, fans and club to do that.

"Some players may have thrown their toys out of the pram and sulked, but that's not Prats.

"Until something concrete comes forward you can't think of speculation or rumours, and that's what he is doing.

"In the meantime he will continue giving his all for the club. We can't ask for much more than that.

"I'm just glad he'll be playing for us and not against us tomorrow.

"Like I've said, Prats can't be faulted for his attitude and commitment," he added. "Neither can the fans, as some of them could have turned on Prats a little.

"But they've seen his performances, not only this season, but since he came through the door here and they respect him like he respects them.

"He has run his heart out for this club.

"It was the same with Ferrie — more than 6,000 were there when we played Neath and they were all chanting his name and Ferrie really appreciated that.

"It just shows how strong the bond is between players and supporters here.

"The biggest stick he gets is from the players.

"In training there's a lot of banter.

"If he makes a mistake in training we tell him he's lucky the scouts aren't watching.

"He's had a lot this week because of who we are playing, but he just laughs it off."

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