The Swans take on Premiership new-boys West Brom tomorrow in celebration of a true, loyal Swansea City servant.

That player is 30-year-old Kristian O'Leary, and Tony Mowbray's Baggies will be at the Liberty Stadium for his Testimonial (3pm) to celebrate the Port Talbot-born midfielder's 16-year service to the football club as a junior and pro.

Kristian has seen it all during his time with the club during the Vetch Field days and, more latterly, the Liberty Stadium.

He's enjoyed the jubilant celebrations of promotion on three occasions - including two championships, two relegations, two play-off final defeats, four FAW Premier Cup final appearances and a near relegation from the Football League thrown in, all of which occurred in 12 seasons as a professional footballer.

O'Leary was also at the club during the Tony Petty saga of 2001 and was one of seven players offered reduced deals by the Australian-based businessman, but he remained strong as the club went through this difficult time and is now, as we approach season 2008/09, the only player still at the club following that dark October morning seven years ago.

The midfielder goes into this game following a successful pre-season campaign to date, of which he has played a key part as Roberto continues to fine tune his squad ahead of the big kick-off at Charlton a week on Saturday.

And the Swansea City boss, a huge fan of O'Leary, believes him to be an extremely dedicated individual, fine clubman and great role model to younger players.

"When you look back at loyal servants, there is no better example than Kris," said Roberto. "Unfortunately, nowadays in the game you don't get many players who want to give their service to one club for more than 10 years.

"Kris has been through everything at this football club and it's fantastic that he is having his testimonial with the club in probably its best moment.

"It's a day to celebrate with the fans and players and to give something back to Kris. He has always been reliable, and there is nothing better than that in football.

"You need to go through difficult times and when you look around you need those figures who are never going to let you down. They represent the club throughout everything and Kris is that type of character.

"As a player he has adapted himself. He started as a centre-half and then had huge success as a central midfielder.

"He has played in many different projects at the club with different ways to play. It's an example to the youngsters."

Kristian was spotted by the Swans playing for Port Talbot Schoolboys by the club's youth coach at the time, Ron Walton, back in 1994.

"Although he was not head and shoulders above the rest in terms of ability, he had something else," said Walton.

"Kris was a big, strong lad for his age, but what really shone through was his attitude and temperament.

"I could see that he had something to give to the game. Kris took everything on board and he became a better player.

"He is an inspiration and role model for any young footballer in the area. Kids in Port Talbot, Neath and Swansea should be looking up to Kris and thinking 'I can do that if I put my mind to it'."

The Swans will continue to be without Angel Rangel and Jason Scotland through injury for the visit of last year's Coca-Cola Championship winners, while new striker Gorka Pintado is also set to miss out on the club's first game at the Liberty Stadium this summer.

Pintado, a summer arrival from Spanish outfit Granada CF, limped out of Thursday's pre-season friendly win at Chester City with 20 minutes on the clock.

West Brom are likely to bring a full strength side to south west Wales as they prepare for life back in the Premiership with new signings Scott Carson, Marek Cech and Gianni Zuiverloon expected to take part.

They've had a mixed pre-season to date and started off with defeats on their German tour against Borussia Moenchengladbach (1-2) and FC Koln (1-4). On their return to the UK they were held in games against Shrewsbury (2-2) and Cheltenham (1-1) before losing 2-1 at Ipswich Town.

Tony Mowbray's side got their first win of the summer at Northampton Town on Tuesday (2-1) and tonight play another League One side in the shape of Hereford United.

Supporters are reminded that tickets are available from the Ticket Office today (Friday) but will also be available on the day of the match. They will be on sale at the Ticket Office and also at special cash pods situated at the South and North Stands.

But fans are urged to get their tickets early as the club is expecting a large walk-up crowd on the day.

Tickets are priced at £15 for adults and £7.50 for concessions.

There is no park & ride available off J45, but the park & walk is open opposite the stadium.

A young Swansea City XI are also in action tomorrow afternoon. Tony Pennock takes his side to face Southern League Premier Division outfit Clevedon Town. For more details click here.