Vitor Matos insists Joel Ward's arrival won't block Sam Parker's opportunities at Swansea City.

However, he admits the club need to think about what the best next step is for the full-back.

Parker has previously been seen as one of the brightest youngsters on the books following his debut under then interim boss Alan Sheehan in 2023.

However, a hamstring injury hampered his chances of a serious first-team breakthrough, and he's made a total of 12 first-team appearances for the club.

The capture of Ward has further strengthened City's right-back options, and opened up questions over where Parker will now fits in.

However, Matos says there is still a pathway for the 19-year-old in SA1, although he hasn't ruled out the possibility of the teenager going out on loan to pick up more game-time.

"Sam can play more as well as a winger and as a wingback so it doesn't block completely the pathway of Sam," Matos said in the wake of Ward's arrival.

"Something that we need to see as well is what is the best in terms of...