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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Was in aussie in the 90′s,this guy was a super star.He was great ambassador for Ireland and the gaa.R.I.P
…… a legend.
Whatever about the loss to sport…I just look at this pic and a see a little girl who will so miss her daddy…been there! RIP. Work in oncology (not a medic) and everybody who passes will be missed… Not matter how young or how old, they are all someone’s daughter/son, mum/dad, sister/brother, granny/grandad…we should never forget that!
So Sad to hear he has passed away from cancer. He will be sadly missed by people in his native Ireland and his adopted country Australia.
RIP Jim Stynes. Quiet often what a person achieved in life is uncovered after they have gone. Not in Jim Stynes case. The world will be a lesser place for him passing. A state funeral for a kid who arrived aged 17.
We don’t make men like him anymore. True legend.
Lovely piece, very fitting tribute
Colm ORourke spoke so well on the radio and summed it up very well. He said it was a privilege to meet him . I
Shame that the media in Ireland gave us more crap stories on the likes of fat Freddie instead of heroes like jim Stynes…
HE WAS A HERO AND WE ARE PROUD THAT HE IS IRISH
Fitting tribute to a Super guy,we could all learn something from Jim Stynes RIP. What a terrible loss for his wife and family.
Leaving this world he has truly left his footprints on the sands of time. He is an inspiation to us all.
R.I.P
jaysus he didn’t go down without a fight. a true Irish hero.
A state funeral,, says it all really. RIP
RIP Big Man, a true sportsman and a gentleman.
It’s such a shame that he was not revered in Ireland as the absolute hero he clearly was we can all learn from him and realise our dreams R.I.P big jim
I never met him but wish I did….every town needs a Jim, may he rest on peace.
Legend of the Dee’s
RIP
R.I.P Jim and condolences to your wife Children Family Friends and all whose lives you touched in some shape or form Sleep easy Jim
Jimmy Stynes made me proud to be irish and living in Melbourne. Seeing him speak in the media and watching him in his recent documentary, you felt drawn to him in admiration and inspired by his determination and belief in young people. The Irish ironman they called him, he’s left a legacy here in Australia. Safe traveling Jim. Our thoughts are with your brave young family.
Jim would be so proud to see that you have established a replica of his Reach foundation, that is what he did, inspire people.
Always surprised me that he wasn’t better known in Ireland , he was a legend here.
State funeral he deserves.
Legend. Fact. R.I.P.
truly a great man what a loss for his family ,he will be missed many tears shed for him