Ethan Laird told to start scoring goals to take his game to the next level

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Manchester United youngster Ethan Laird has made a very promising start to his loan spell at Swansea City.

Now his manager wants more. Swansea boss Russell Martin has urged the right-back to start getting on the scoresheet.

Speaking to Wales Online, Martin said: “He needs to start adding some goals to his game, he should have a lot of assists by now, he’s set up a lot of chances.

“We need to convince him there’s more goals in his game and I’m sure that’ll come.”

Laird created a staggering six chances in Swansea’s weekend draw at Luton, which included his second assist of the season.

Very promising start

Laird played under Swansea boss Russell Martin at MK Dons last season in League One, before being recruited this summer on loan again when the manager landed a job in the Championship.

Despite his attacking contribution, Laird has not scored a single goal in either loan spell.

It is not a criticism you can level at too many right-backs, but attacking is such a focus of Laird’s game that the coaching staff believe he clearly has a lot more to offer.

The 20-year-old is not averse to getting on the scoresheet. It just hasn’t happened so far. Perhaps he is conscious about working on the defensive side of his game, that he just needs to take the attacking shackles off further.

Laird has three goals in 10 appearances for England’s under-18s and under-19s side.

He also scored for Manchester United’s under-21 side against Rotherham in the EFL Trophy a couple of seasons back.

There are still 38 games left in the Championship season, so there is plenty of time for Laird to improve this aspect of his game. It will be fascinating to see if he is able to take the advice on board.

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