Kerry Morgan spent last season on loan at Welsh premier side Neath

Kerry Morgan says he would not have had his Swansea City first team chance under previous boss Roberto Martinez.

The 20-year-old youth academy graduate was handed his full debut by new manager Paulo Sousa in Swansea's 0-0 Championship draw with Reading.

"The opportunity has come quicker than I expected," said winger Morgan.

"I'd like to thank the manager for giving me the opportunity as I don't think I'd have had the opportunity under the previous manager."

Sousa replaced Martinez when the Spaniard left Swansea for Premier League Wigan Athletic in the summer.

Martinez loaned Morgan out to Swedish side Ostersunds in the summer of 2007 before the youngster scored nine goals in 15 appearances for Welsh Premier League side Port Talbot Town.

Morgan was also loaned to Spanish club Balaguer, Martinez's former club, and spent time at Clevedon Town in the Southern League before impressing during a season at Neath Athletic in the Welsh Premier.

Graeme Jones, Swansea's previous assistant manager who joined Martinez at Wigan, transformed the striker into a winger during reserve team fixtures last season.

Morgan's first-team Swans debut as a substitute in the 3-0 Carling Cup win over Brighton and Hove Albion, and he impressed on his full league bow on Tuesday at the Liberty Stadium.

He is a clever player and brings something new to the team with his quality Swansea City manager Paulo Sousa

"I was very happy with him," said Portuguese boss Sousa.

"I believe in Kerry and he has a good understanding of the game. He is a clever player and brings something new to the team with his quality.

"I'm very proud we have someone of his attitude in our team and someone who enjoys playing football."

Sousa turned to Morgan due to Swansea's midfield crisis as Darren Pratley (shoulder), Ferrie Bodde (knee), Joe Allen (hamstring), Jordi Lopez (leg) and Tom Butler are out injured.

Now the Merthyr-born youngster hopes to capitalise on his team-mates' misfortune and hold down a regular first-team place.

"My big aim now is to establish myself in the side," said Morgan.

"I have worked hard to get myself into the side as I always believed my time world come. Now I've got to stay in the side.

"I enjoyed my league debut against Reading I was a bit nervous, my stomach was doing somersaults before I settled down.

"The experienced boys helped me out and gave me positional advice. They were talking to me non-stop which really helped me.

"I came close to scoring a goal but it didn't quite happen - hopefully that first league goal will come soon."

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