Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup has praised Wayne Routledge after his impressive start to the season

Wayne Routledge: Has shown impressive early season form

Swansea City boss Michael Laudrup has heaped praise on winger Wayne Routledge after an impressive start to the season.

The winger has scored twice in the Premier League this season, and only Michu has more goals for the Swans.

After gaining an unwanted reputation as something of a journeyman, Routledge looks to have settled in South Wales, and is playing the most consistent football of his career.

Laudrup has been impressed by the winger, who has started every league game this season after being largely used as a substitute under Brendan Rodgers last season.

"When I came here I did not know a lot about Wayne, but when I talk to people, they say he is doing great, Laudrup said.

"We give him the confidence and I think that is important for every player"
Michael Laudrup on Wayne Routledge

"We give him the confidence and I think that is important for every player, he knows even if he is not playing that well he will not lose his position in the squad, because he will always be part of the three wingers we have.

"For a player like Wayne, who has not been a regular starter for a long time, I think it is even more important.

"I heard when I arrived that he had played 100 games and scored one goal and he has already doubled that this season."

Laudrup added: "He has good vision, he is very fast, and he can change speed and direction so quickly and defenders don't like that."