It was just over two years ago that rising Swans star Ashley 'Jazz' Richards was told that he wasn't ready for international football.

They were harsh words from Wales boss Brian Flynn after his Under-17 side crashed to a shock 1-0 defeat in their Uefa qualifier in Andorra.

Jazz, just 16 at the time, had come on as a second-half substitute with 30 minutes remaining. But not only could he do little to turn the result in Wales's favour, he also had to stomach some tough words from Flynn after the game.

"All the players had individual meetings with the manager (Flynn) after the game,'' explained Jazz. "I can still remember his words now as he told me I wasn't ready for international football.

"I told him that I was ready and I'd just had a few off games.''

They were cutting words for a 16-year-old to take. But rather than go into his shell, Jazz came out fighting.

"Looking back, it made me stronger,'' he added. "I was determined to prove him wrong, not in a bad way, but to prove to myself I was good enough. He probably did me a favour.''

And not only did he go on to win 10 caps for the Under-17s and another 11 for the Under-19s, but the Swansea-born product has also progressed to the Under-21 squad where he has already picked up a further three international caps.

Not bad for an 18-year-old first-year pro.

"The manager (Flynn) now says I'm a player he needs in the Wales side,'' he adds with a smile.

He's also proving to be a player Swans boss Paulo Sousa needs as well after making his fifth senior start at Pride Park last Saturday.

After skipper Garry Monk joined fellow defenders Albert Serran and Fede Bessone in the treatment room on the eve of their Derby date, Jazz was pressed into action at right-back.

And despite the intimidating surroundings on and off the pitch, Jazz came through the test with flying colours in front of a crowd of over 31,000.

"When Monks pulled out on the Friday I had a feeling I'd play,'' he explained. "But it wasn't until the day of the game that I was given the nod.

"I knew there was going to be a big crowd there, but I'm not one to get nervous so I treated it as just another game.

"To be honest with you I didn't think I played that well in the first-half and gave too many balls away. The gaffer (Paulo) could see at half-time that I wasn't myself, but he didn't have a go at me. He just told me to calm down, enjoy it and I would improve in the second-half.

"Tatey and Ash (Williams) told me to give things simple for five minutes, relax and enjoy it. I think I did a lot better after the break.''

But while Jazz isn't one to sing his own praises, he received plenty of plaudits after helping the Swans secure three precious points in their quest for promotion

After all, it's been a massive learning curve for the youngster who only signed his first pro contract in the summer.

After learning his trade with local junior clubs West End and St Joseph's Colts, where he actually spent the first two years as a goalkeeper, he joined the youth ranks at the Liberty Stadium.

Watching from the sidelines he admired the talents of Ferrie Bodde and used the achievements of young Joe Allen as his inspiration; before earning the right to join them as an equal.

Having teamed up the senior squad on their pre-season tour to Spain, he came off the bench for his debut against Middlesbrough at the start of the campaign.

He made the substitutes bench four more times, but also started against Reading, Preston, Bristol City, Plymouth and then Derby last Saturday.

And while he has always regarded himself as a midfielder, his new Swans boss has so much confidence in his ability that he had no hesitation in switching him to defensive duties to ease a spate of injuries.

"I've always been a midfielder and prefer it there,'' adds Jazz, whose performances even sparked paper talk of interest from Scottish giants Rangers earlier in the season.

"I only started playing right-back last year but, believe me, I'm not complaining.

"I'm learning about the position all the time. The gaffer and the boys are always helping me, offering me plenty of advice, which I appreciate.

"It's just great being part of the first team again. I was out of the matchday squad for about five weeks, so it's nice to be involved again.

"Now I've got to stay there and get a few more games under my belt before the end of the season.''

And if Jazz keeps progressing at the current rate, it will be music to the ears of both his domestic and international managers.