Rhys Williams: Liverpool recall defender from Swansea City loan

Liverpool have recalled defender Rhys Williams from a season-long loan at Swansea City.

Williams, 20, managed only seven appearances - five of which were starts - after joining the Championship club in August.

The England Under-21 centre-back played 19 times for Liverpool last season.

But he has struggled to find any consistency at Swansea and the decision to end his spell in Wales comes as no surprise.

"I think he has grown a lot in his time here," said Swansea head coach Russell Martin.

"He's frustrated he didn't play more but I think we leave on good terms. I am sure Liverpool will be disappointed he hasn't played more, but loans are not easy at this level.

"He goes with everyone's best wishes. He has been fantastic member of the squad character-wise, the way he has trained, he has had a smile on his face.

"He needs to go back to Liverpool and force his way in there or maybe go back out elsewhere, we'll have to wait and see."

Martin has played with a back three for most of the season, with Kyle Naughton a mainstay in the central position and the likes of Ben Cabango, Ryan Bennett and Ryan Manning regularly operating alongside him.

Williams did not make the squad for the draw at Huddersfield last weekend, with his last league appearance coming at Middlesbrough on 4 December.