Michael Obafemi has made a slow start to the 2021/22 season with his new club Swansea City but Russell Martin remains excited about his prospects this season.
Martin praised the 21-year-old in his pre-match press conference for the Swans' hosting of Millwall on Wednesday evening, with quotes provided by Swansea City's Twitter account.
He said: "We have to manage him because he’s not played much for pre-season. He’s desperate to start, but I really enjoyed watching him come on.
"We're chomping at the bit to get him on the pitch. We're excited by him and he's at a great age, really hungry."
Olivier Ntcham took the plaudits after his performance off the right flank in the side's 0-0 draw with Hull City at the weekend, a position that Obafemi will be competing for, along with battling to play through the centre ahead of Joel Piroe.
Obafemi's move to Swansea went under the radar a little in terms of the biggest Championship deals towards the end of the transfer window, with the Irishman finding a permanent move away from St Mary's he should be able to assert himself on the second tier after struggling for regular game time in the Premier League.
His pace and power could be very effective as the season progresses and the matches come thick and fast.
The Verdict
Obafemi is a very exciting prospect, yet to have a consistent run in senior football and in that the Championship neutrals will be just as enthusiastic to see him in action as Russell Martin is.
A one-time Republic of Ireland full international, Obafemi is a scary option to have from the bench, ready to ruffle some feathers against a tiring second tier backline.
The Swans need to start picking up results if they are to build a promotion push this season, Millwall are always tricky opponents under Gary Rowett and will be full of confidence after holding promotion favourites West Bromwich Albion to a 1-1 draw at the weekend.