Wayne Routledge: Swansea City extend winger's contract

Wayner Routledge joined Swansea City from Newcastle in 2011

Swansea City winger Wayne Routledge has signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2018.

The 29-year-old former Crystal Palace and Tottenham player joined the Premier League club from Newcastle United in August 2011.

"He thoroughly deserves it," Swansea manager Garry Monk said.

"He's found a home, somewhere he can be himself and bring out the player we now see week in, week out."

Routledge has started all five of Swansea's Premier League games this season, scoring in the 3-0 win against West Bromwich Albion in August.

The former England Under-21 international impressed for the Swans last season, scoring six goals in 41 matches.

Routledge, who began his career at Crystal Palace, has represented nine different nine clubs, but has started more league games for Swansea than any other side.

"He will admit himself he rebelled at times as a youngster," said Monk.

"But I think he never clicked at clubs where he felt he could not express himself.

"Perhaps he was unsure of what he was capable of, but here he's had that freedom and guidance to be better."