Jay settling into Latics’ rhythm

KNEE-SY DOES IT . . . Jay Fulton displays the physical side of his game.

JAY Fulton is used to mixing it with international stars - but his sights are set on the realities of Athletic’s lowly perch in League One.

The loaned Swansea midfield man (21) has played against Liverpool at Anfield for the Swans and before he got his big move from Falkirk, also took in a trial at Old Trafford.

In the past week Fulton has been with Scotland’s under-21s as they battled with players from Bayern Munich and Paris St Germain.

Returning to training with Athletic yesterday, the young Scot — son of former Bolton and Hearts winger Steve — is a shoo-in to start against Sheffield United, given his obvious talent.

And as of now, he is hoping that fortune finally favours Athletic.

“It is good to go away for your country, always,” said Fulton. “But I do prefer club football.

“Sheffield United tomorrow will be difficult for us, but we are at home and you need to be confident going into these games.

“Then we have Swindon. Every game you look at will be tough, really, but if we can get the luck as well then that win won’t be far off.”

Fulton made over 100 appearances for Falkirk following a debut at the age of 17, before making a switch to the Liberty Stadium in January 2014

Seven first-team appearances have since followed and he has impressed his manager in mixing it with the likes of club-mate and England star Jonjo Shelvey.

Fulton’s quality has shone on occasions already for Athletic — the clever switch of play that led in part to the goal of the season so far, Michael Higdon’s sweet volley at Gillingham — and given his experience of senior football at such a young age, he will have few worries about facing the Blades.

“The first couple of games was a bit of a transition,” Fulton said of what is to date a three-game spell in a loan period running until January.

“The players need to get used to the type of player I am and I need to get used to them.

“Against Gillingham in the last game I played in, it was difficult to take only a draw as we had played so well. I am just looking forward to getting back now.”