Dobbie hoping to impress

Stephen Dobbie: Swansea striker has been linked with a return to Blackpool

Swansea striker Stephen Dobbie is keen to impress new Liberty Stadium boss Michael Laudrup despite interest in his services from Blackpool.

The 29-year-old spent the tail end of last term on loan at Bloomfield Road and Tangerines boss Ian Holloway would reportedly like to bring him back on a full-time basis.

Laudrup was appointed as Brendan Rodgers' successor this summer and the former Mallorca boss is still evaluating his squad.

Dobbie is aware of Blackpool's interest in him, but while he is still a Swansea player, he knows his first task is to impress his new manager.

"We will just have to wait and see what happens this season,'' Dobbie told the club's official website.

"All I can do is work hard on the training ground and hope to get a chance.

"It's going to be difficult because there are already a few new faces at the club battling for places.

"But it's a new start for everyone. The slate is clean and it's up to each individual to state his own case.''

Promotion

And Dobbie has backed his friends in the Blackpool squad to earn promotion to the Premier League under Holloway.

Swansea and Blackpool locked horns on Tuesday evening in a pre-season friendly, which gave the former Rangers academy man another chance to rekindle old friendships.

"I've still got a lot of friends there and I keep in touch with them on a regular basis," he admitted.

"I am really looking forward to seeing some of them. I really hope Blackpool can get back up to the Premier League because that's where the manager belongs.

"He has all the attributes and deserves to be plying his trade in the top flight."