The diminutive Nathan Dyer played every game as the Swans became the first Welsh side to secure promotion to the EPL by beating Reading in the Championship play-off final, with the wideman instrumental in that victory. By Matthew Joyce.
Swansea have won many admirers since arriving in the Barclays English Premier League and the performances of winger Nathan Dyer have caught the eye.
The 24-year-old wideman has earned praise for his form this season and Swans boss Brendan Rodgers has called for the former Southampton man to be considered for Fabio Capello's England squad for Euro 2012.
The tricky Dyer was outstanding in the Welsh club's victory over Arsenal earlier this month and Rodgers urged Capello to take a closer look at his right-sided winger, as well as the likes of Scott Sinclair.
“Nathan has been wonderful and is an integral part of the group,” said Rodgers.
“He is a good lad, I like him a lot and his performances have really done the talking for him.
“The advantage we have is that our players play a style that if they stepped up to international level it would be no surprise to them.” Trowbridge-born Dyer began his career with Southampton, but was loaned to Burnley at the start of the 2005/06 season and scored two goals in four appearances for the Clarets.
Dyer returned to Southampton and found himself in and around the Saints' first-team squad under Harry Redknapp, making 14 appearances in all competitions for the south-coast club during that season.
The following year proved less fruitful for Dyer, as he only made 13 appearances in all competitions for the Saints.
And at the age of 20, Dyer and team-mate Bradley Wright-Phillips made the headlines for the wrong reasons after they were caught stealing from handbags in a nightclub.
In the summer of 2008, Dyer pleaded guilty to a charge of non-dwelling burglary at Portsmouth Magistrates Court and he was ordered to carry out 60 hours of community service.
Dyer appeared to be on borrowed time at Southampton and he made another loan move to Sheffield United, but managed just three appearances for the Blades before returning to his parent club.
He found himself out on loan again when Swansea came knocking and things started to fall into place for the winger, who fitted in well with the Welsh club's slick passing game.
The Saints Academy graduate impressed at the Liberty Stadium, putting in some impressive performances against EPL clubs Fulham and Portsmouth in the FA Cup.
Dyer scored as Swansea dumped holders Pompey out of the FA Cup and that led to then Swans manager Roberto Martinez to pay GBP400,000 to sign the winger on a permanent basis.
But it was the arrival of current manager Rodgers at the start of last season which led to Dyer's career really taking off.
The diminutive wideman played every game as the Swans became the first Welsh side to secure promotion to the EPL by beating Reading in the Championship play-off final, with Dyer instrumental in that victory.
While former Chelsea winger Sinclair took many of the plaudits after top-scoring with 27 goals, Dyer was just as influential and was voted the supporters player of the year.
Dyer was handed a new three-year deal last summer and has taken to the EPL like a duck to water, producing some dazzling displays as Rodgers' side have made a seamless transition from the Championship to the demands of the top flight.
And if he maintains his current form, an international call-up could be on the cards for the Swans star.
Dyer was once sentenced to 60 hours community service after pleading guilty to non-dwelling burglary in a nightclub.
He is not married but he has a girlfriend called Laura.
It is not known what Dyer is currently driving.
FACTFILEName: Nathan DyerPosition: WingerClub: SwanseaDOB: 29/11/1987Career Appearances: 216Career goals: 17Moment to rememberMoment to forgetBeing sent off for the Swansea in 2009 against former club Sheffield United.
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