Garry Monk: 'Leon Britton an example to other players'

Swansea City manager Garry Monk has praised midfielder Leon Britton for the example he has set for the rest of the players in the squad, following the 31-year-old's new deal with the Swans.

Britton, who has played in all four divisions for Swansea, extended his stay until 2017 and the new deal is no more than he deserves, according to Monk. "The main thing with Leon's contract is that he deserves it," Monk told the club's official website. "It's not a sentimental thing or anything like that.

"The way he plays, the effort he puts in every day - he is an example to others in the squad. It's massive for us to get Leon's contract sorted out because he is such an important player."

Britton joined Swansea from West Ham United, initially on loan, in 2002.