Neil Taylor surprised by pre

Swansea City left-back Neil Taylor believes he is getting back to full fitness having broken his ankle last season.

The 24-year old Wales international was forced to miss the majority of last season.

After getting injured in a Premier League match against Sunderland in September, Taylor didn't return to action until April.

The Welsh left-back was a standout performer in Swansea's maiden season in the top flight, and attracted vast amounts of interest from bigger clubs.

The likes of Chelsea and Manchester United were both reportedly interested in the young Welsh star.

Taylor was surprised with his level of fitness after playing in a string of pre-season friendlies for the Swans, playing in the Netherlands and against Yeovil Town and Exeter City.

"I'm fitter than what I thought I was," the left-back told the club's website. "Now I have 90 minutes under my belt I know I can do it, which is a really good feeling.

"It was a good run-out. We let some of the new boys know before the game that games like this are really tough in this country.

"It was really hot on the pitch and it was tough, but that's all part of pre-season. It will help us in the long run with fitness."

A 5-0 win at Championship side Yeovil on Friday night was followed up with a 2-0 victory at League Two outfit Exeter on Sunday afternoon. Swansea conclude their pre-season at the Madejski Stadium this coming Saturday, visiting Championship side Reading.

Michael Laudrup is providing as much game-time to his players as preparations continue to build towards the Swans' Europa League opening game on August 1 against either Hibernian or Malmo.

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