Michael Obafemi has been warned that he will have to fight for a return to the Swansea matchday squad.
The Ireland international missed out on the 1-0 win against QPR ten days ago.
Obafemi was the subject of strong transfer deadline day interest from Burnley, but a move failed to materialise when the two clubs couldn't agree on a fee.
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Swansea boss Russell Martin has told the 22-year-old, ahead of Tuesday night's clash with Sheffield United, that he won’t simply walk back into his side.
“Michael will be back in the squad as soon as he’s ready to be back,” said Martin, who himself has recently been the subject of interest from Premier League side Brighton.
“That’s where we’re at. He had a turbulent few days in the transfer window.
“After that it’s down to him to show us that he’s in the right place to contribute to the team. As soon as he is, he’ll be back in and ready to go.”
Martin added that Obafemi would face some stiff competition to win his place back.
“He’s been fine,” said the Swansea chief. “There’s a group of players who won against QPR and did really well.
“Michael has to compete with those guys and give us a decision to make for the squad ahead of (tonight).”
Obafemi scored a wonder-goal for Ireland in last June’s 3-0 win over Scotland - his first senior start for the Boys in Green.
Since then he has started six Championship games for Swansea, scoring once in a 2-2 draw with Millwall.
He was sprung from the bench in a deadline day draw with struggling Stoke and was omitted from the squad against QPR.
According to Martin, the youngster was led to believe that he was Burnley-bound last month.
“I don’t think he’s unhappy to still be here. He was told the move was a lot closer than it actually was at one point,” he said.
“When you think something’s there that’s beneficial in ways outside of football, then there’s going to be some disappointment of course if you wanted that to happen.
“But he’s not unhappy to be here still. He understands how important the club has been for his own development and how patient everyone involved here has been.”
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