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Michael Obafemi. PA

Obafemi 'needs to show he's in the right place to contribute', says Swansea boss

The Ireland striker was left out of the last matchday squad after his proposed move to Burnley failed to materialise on transfer deadline day.

SWANSEA CITY MANAGER Russell Martin believes Michael Obafemi is “slowly but surely” getting back to a position where he can return to the squad. 

The Ireland striker was the subject of interest from fellow Championship club Burnley on transfer deadline day, but the deal didn’t materialise. 

22-year-old Obafemi was subsequently left out for their win over QPR as Russell felt he “wasn’t in the right frame of mind” to play. 

Ahead of tonight’s league meeting at home to Sheffield United, the Swans boss was asked about the player’s current situation. 

“Michael will be back in the squad as soon as he’s ready to be back in the squad,” replied Martin, during yesterday’s press conference. “So that’s where we’re at. It is what it is.

“He obviously had the turbulent few days during the transfer window. After that, it’s down to him to put himself back in, to show us that he’s in the right place to contribute to the group. As soon as he is, he’ll be back in and ready to go.”

Asked if he feels Obafemi is in the right frame of mind to play now, he replied:

“He’s been fine, but there’s a group of players who won the game against QPR. Michael has to compete with those guys, and give us a decision to make for the squad ahead of tomorrow [Tuesday].

“I would say he is getting there, slowly but surely. We’re in a better place than we were a week ago and, that’s for sure, and that’s all we can ask.

“I don’t think he is unhappy that he is still here. I think he was told that the move was a lot closer than it actually was at one point, so of course when you think something is there that is beneficial in ways outside of football, financial, length of contract, all that stuff, then you know there is going to be some disappointment if you wanted that to happen.

“He understands how important the club have been for his own development over the last year and how patient the club and supporters have been with him and everyone involved here.

“We’re not dealing with 25 robots. They’re all different and have different ways of dealing with things, different characteristics and different personalities. Some people can remain super focused and not let the external noise affect them. For other people, it becomes a bit more difficult.

We just have to help Michael through the period and get him back to where he was last season from January onwards. I’ve got no doubt that we will and he we will.

“There’s no problem with the way he has trained or the way he’s been at all. We just need to make sure he is ready to contribute on the pitch and hopefully that’s tomorrow [Tuesday] night.”

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    Mute Tom Reilly
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    Aug 18th 2023, 9:33 AM

    I believe the point of difference that Farrell sees in Prendergast is the ” dog” in him. Just like POM that character trait is in his DNA. You can’t coach it.

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    Mute Ciaran Kennedy
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    Aug 18th 2023, 10:13 AM

    @Tom Reilly: I know they cannot fit everyone but you’d wonder why Leinster let him go. It seems like he’d already proved he had the attitude to succeed and as soon as he stepped on the pitch for Connaught he looked the part.

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    Mute Tom Reilly
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    Aug 18th 2023, 11:45 AM

    @Ciaran Kennedy: I was thinking likewise regarding Leinster. Letting Beirne go and also Prendergast seems like bad judgement as both flourished as soon as they left.

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    Mute Paul Ennis
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    Aug 18th 2023, 12:32 PM

    @Tom Reilly: It could be that the disappointment of being cut triggered the drive to succeed.

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    Mute Shane Canning
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    Aug 18th 2023, 3:08 PM

    @Ciaran Kennedy: mayby having jbf connan dorris penny and few more might made that decision

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    Mute Owen ODonoghue
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    Aug 18th 2023, 3:58 PM

    @Shane Canning: stacked with back row talent in Leinster , Deegan and Penny still not starters for example , more coming through each Academy year, bound to lose a few diamonds along the way

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    Mute Shane Canning
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    Aug 18th 2023, 3:59 PM

    @Owen ODonoghue: scott penny not even earned a cap yet he nearly 25

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    Mute Shane Canning
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    Aug 18th 2023, 4:00 PM

    @Owen ODonoghue: 24 next month i mean

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    Mute John Morris
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    Aug 18th 2023, 5:45 PM

    @Tom Reilly: Well, he got his start ahead of Sam! Saturday will be the proving of him- I like him as a player and he definitely looked an Ireland player for 40mins last week. No one questions his creative playing ability. However, can he maintain his discipline? Conceding penalties is the only way England gets into this game – he needs to follow Joe Mc’s example from last week.

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    Mute Ed Wilson
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    Aug 18th 2023, 8:08 PM

    @Tom Reilly: Spot on. Can’t coach it. Its either in you or not. Although often maligned, the dog is an essential element of the game especially in its increasingly, mostly appropriately, sanitised form. The dog’ll put his head where many won’t. Big hopes for the lad tomorrow, hopefully all his efforts will bear fruit sans incurring penalties.

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    Mute Jerry Smith
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    Aug 21st 2023, 6:37 AM

    @Tom Reilly: That’s Dave up in head office stepping-in w/ his Ireland first attitude and desire to future proof player growth. Here the provinces work together!

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    Mute Thesaltyurchin
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    Aug 18th 2023, 1:44 PM

    Great player, could be a world class flanker.

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    Mute AJRugby
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    Aug 19th 2023, 2:39 AM

    Just goes to show the numbers of good young players that come through the Leinster school system. I guess some will always be missed but there is hope if they persevere.

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