New signing Mark Gower sings the praises of new Swans striker Gorka Pintado

Gower was speaking after a pretty impressive start to Pintado's Swansea career that has seen him notch two hat-tricks already in pre-season friendlies.

The start has led Swansea fans to increase their optimism for the new season with many looking to place bets on Pintado to top the Championship goalscoring charts this season.

And those performances have not been lost on Gower either with the summer recruit from Southend telling the Sunday Mirror "The lad seems a good all-rounder.  He has a presence, can lead the line, get behind defences, is decent in the air and can finish coolly.  Gorka has done well against the lesser opposition - now he needs to repeat his performances against the better defences in the pre-season build up."

Gower was talking as he enjoyed his first few weeks with the squad having opted to leave Southend on a free transfer to be part of the Swansea Championship challenge.   And he is a rare figure in the Swans recruitment camp this summer as Roberto brings in more and more foreign imports to the squad - something that he has been criticised for in some quarters.

But there is no hint of criticism from Gower who said "I wouldn't be against learning Spanish if that is what it takes.  All the lads are pulling in the same direction already though, it doesn't matter if anyone is Welsh, Jamaican, Argentine or Cockney!

"The manager has told us that we all have to sit together at meals - we have been instructed to teach as much English to the foreign lads as we can.  The Spanish boys have never been isolated.

"The Liberty Stadium attendances can give the Swans a chance to financially compete against the likes of Birmingham, Nottingham Forest, Watford and Derby.  And the squad has a decent blend of experience, flair and youth - enough of a mix to produce good football."

Photo: Action Images

Leeds United Polls