Luke Williams says Florian Bianchini can become “a very good player” for Swansea City as the French winger eyes a chance for game-time in the absence of Eom Ji-Sung.
Bianchini is yet to start a Championship game since joining Swansea from Bastia in a deal worth around £2m in August.
The 23-year-old has made four substitute appearances in the league so far, with his one Swansea start coming in their miserable League Cup defeat to Wycombe.
But with Eom – who has started every league game this season – facing six weeks out, Bianchini is one of those who will come into contention for Saturday’s trip to Blackburn Rovers.
Asked about the Frenchman’s start to life at Swansea, head coach Williams said: “I think it’s been a mixed bag which I would expect. He came in late and has had to learn plenty of things.
“We have some guys who have been starting games regularly so he has had to jump into games in different circumstances.
“I think there have been some real positive signs, some encouraging things, and some games where he has not hit that level. That’s why we continue to work with him and I am sure he is going to become a very good player for us.”
If Bianchini does not start at Ewood Park, Williams could turn to academy product Azeem Abdulai or Myles Peart-Harris, who was signed on loan from Brentford as an attacking midfielder.
Another option could be to switch Ollie Cooper to the wing, though he has impressed in a central role this season.
“We have seen guys coming off the bench and starting games in the wide positions so we have some options there,” Williams added.
“We are very disappointed to lose Eom and we would never want to have him out of the squad, but it gives an opportunity for someone to try to stake a claim and potentially create even more competition amongst the players.”