Stephen Kingsley has become the latest Swansea City player to sign a new deal at the Liberty Stadium, with his to keep him at the club for a further four years.

After the majority of the past season was spent dangerously close to the drop zone, the Swans are clearly keen to avoid a similar fate and are tying down both key players and promising youngsters as early as possible, while recruiting new arrivals to bolster the squad.

Kingsley was a player that thrived under the difficult circumstances of last term though, with the team's struggles seeing them turn to the youngsters for fresh ideas.

The left-back returned to South Wales in January after a loan spell with Crewe Alexandra and was then granted his first team debut in the FA Cup defeat to Oxford United. Four Premier League appearances then followed, with his first in the win over Arsenal particularly impressive.

He then made his senior debut for Scotland in June as a result, admitting to Swansea's official website that "the last six months have been a whirlwind," one capped off by this new deal.

Despite Neil Taylor appearing to have the left-back spot nailed down, Kingsley offers more of an attacking outlet and his determination and hunger could see him challenge for a starting berth this season too as he continues his rapid development.

Stephen Kingsley's hard work in 2016 was rewarded with a senior Scotland debut this summer. (Photo: Sky Sports)
Stephen Kingsley's hard work in 2016 was rewarded with a senior Scotland debut this summer. (Photo: Sky Sports)

Time on Kingsley's side

Kingsley recognises what an opportunity he has now too, with some massive steps having been made in 2016 with the club he signed for from Falkirk two years ago.

Everything has happened so quickly," he admitted, but despite this he will "definitely not be getting carried away" as he looks to make the coming season an even better one.

"It's been a long journey to get to this position and I know I still have a long way to go," said the 21-year-old, who is already looking forward to the next four years as he aims to "push on."

The defender, who can play both in the centre and on the left, said it is "great" to have signed a new deal, a reward which only motivates him to gear up for the campaign ahead.

I am not taking anything for granted - the hard work starts now for me," Kingsley said. "This is just the start."

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About the author
Ameé Ruszkai
Head of the Sunderland, Swansea City and women football sections at VAVEL UK. Email: [email protected]