Last Updated: Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:15
Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers says Josh McEachran's loan spell has been a success and he will return to Chelsea a better player.
The highly-rated 18-year-old was loaned out to the Swans to get some regular first-team football under his belt but he has only managed two starts since January and Chelsea are not impressed.
However Rodgers has defended the loan move and insists Chelsea will get a better, more mature player than the one that left for the Liberty Stadium.
Swansea have also been in great form and Rodgers quite understandably has been unwilling to change a winning team just to accommodate the Blues youngster.
"The loan move was more than just games for Josh," Rodgers told The Sun. "It was also about experiencing a new team, city and lifestyle. He was 18 when he came and it's been great for his development. He admitted he was behind with his conditioning.
"He has fitted in quite easily and he respects how well the other players have been doing so it's been very difficult. The balance in the midfield has been very good.
"Every player wants game-time but that can't happen for everyone. But when he returns to Chelsea he will be better for his experience here. It doesn't matter whether it is games or lifestyle, he will be a better player and person for that."
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