Painter Eyes New Swans Contract

The Swansea City defender will remain on loan at Brighton until the end of the season but hopes that the new deal discussed with the manager last summer will still be in place when his spell at the Withdean ends

“The manager sat me down when we were on tour in Spain and told me that the club wanted to give me a new long-term contract,” Painter explained to the Evening Post

“He wanted to get my views and I said that I would be happy to stay, but since then I haven’t heard anything.

“There were no negotiations or anything like that. I didn’t get my agent involved because we just left it so the club could make an offer.

“Obviously I am hoping it is still going to happen, but we will just have to wait and see.

“Hopefully, joining Brighton will help me.

“I need some games to get myself physically fit and hopefully, if I can play well, the reports will get back to Swansea.

“When you are playing games you are back in the spotlight so, even if Swansea are not there to see it, I hope word will get back.

“I think the manager at Brighton, Gus Poyet, and Roberto know each from their playing days in Spain

“Gus Poyet phoned me last week and said he had spoken to Roberto and asked him what my attitude was like.

“I think Roberto was full of praise, and it’s nice to have a Premier League manager saying nice things about you.

“The few games I’ve had have not been consecutive so it hasn’t been easy,” Painter said.

“I didn’t kick a ball for eight months because of the knee injury, and I think when that happens you are always going to need some time to get back to your best.

“A good run of games is exactly what I need and hopefully that’s what I’ll get at Brighton.”