Caulker delighted to return

Steven Caulker made the perfect return to action for Swansea on Saturday after three months on the sidelines.

Steven Caulker made the perfect return to action for Swansea on Saturday after three months on the sidelines.

The young defender, still only 19, was thrust straight back into the Swans' starting line-up by manager Brendan Rogers, with skipper Gary Monk on the bench.

Steven, on loan for the season, responded by helping his side to a clean sheet and vital 2-0 win against Fulham at the Liberty Stadium.

It was three months to the day that the England Under-21 international damaged the cartilage in his left knee after colliding with a post as he cleared the ball off the line in Swansea's narrow 1-0 defeat at Arsenal.

"It was a great win against Fulham and I was delighted to be involved again," said Steven.

"I’ve been out for three months and itching to get back, especially in the last few weeks. To come back and win 2-0 was perfect.

"The manager showed a lot of trust in me. It’s a strong squad with competition for places all over. The team hadn’t won in four and I was hoping I’d get an opportunity.

"I know I can’t rest on my laurels at any point. I’m fully aware that, for instance, on Saturday, I kept the captain out of the team.

"You have to stay on your toes every day of the week, but that brings the best out of everyone."

Steven's next target is a tough trip to Newcastle on Saturday with survival the long-term goal.

"I just hope to stay fit and the main thing is to get games under my belt now and for Swansea to stay up this season," he added. "That would be a fantastic achievement."

LOAN WATCH

Adam Smith turned provider as MK Dons maintained their promotion push in League One on Saturday.

The full-back put in another 90-minute stint and whipped in a fine cross for Jabo Ibehre to open the scoring in MK's 2-0 win at Tranmere.

Jon Obika returned to Yeovil's starting line-up for the first time since a knee injury in August and helped his side to a 1-0 win against Notts County in League One.

Back in the Premier League, Kyle Naughton played 90 minutes as Norwich toppled Newcastle 4-2 at Carrow Road.