MARTINEZ EYES DREAM PAIRING

By Gareth Vincent
South Wales Evening Post

Roberto Martinez has unveiled plans to play new recruit Stephen Dobbie alongside former team-mate Jason Scotland.

Dobbie has agreed a free transfer to the Liberty Stadium and will complete the formalities of the move when his Queen of the South contract expires at the end of the week.

The 26-year-old's arrival has prompted some to suggest that Scotland will be sold this summer.

But Martinez insists he sees the two ex-St Johnstone forwards — they were colleagues in 2005-6 — playing together again in Swansea colours.

"You are talking about two players who can understand each other fantastically well," he said. "They were together at St Johnstone and they know each other really well.

"They were together at St. Johnstone and they know each other really well.

"I have seen a couple of DVD's and they looked to have a great understanding then. We hope to rekindle that and polish it."

The signing of Dobbie does not mean Martinez is planning to change the system of deploying one central frontman and two wide players which has brought so much success in the last couple of years.

"I would say Jason can only play that central role or just in behind as a shadow striker," the Swans manager added.

"But Stephen can play centrally on his own, he can play with another striker or he can play out wide.

"He is a clinical finisher who can play in any position up front."

Dobbie is expected to tie up what is thought to be a three-year contract after his Queen of the South deal expires on Friday.

Dobbie will join on completion of a medical

CLUB AWAIT NEWS ON FA SWITCH

By Gareth Vincent
South Wales Evening Post

Swansea City are waiting for news on whether they are to leave the Football Association of Wales.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has admitted for the first time that the club have been in discussions about exiting the FAW and instead coming under the jurisdiction of England's Football Association.

Cardiff City have also been involved in talks with English football chiefs over the possible switch.

And Jenkins has revealed that he expects some progress to be made on the issue during the close season.

"We feel the situation needs to be clarified," he said. "And I think the way other people are looking at it is that it needs to be cleared up once and for all.

"With the possibility of one or two Welsh clubs reaching the Premier League, there are rules and regulations in place which could be an issue.

"But what happens is out of our hands.

"It is down to the two associations as well as Uefa to talk about it and I would imagine something could take place over the next couple of months."

WAITING GAME FRUSTRATES SWANS STAR ORLANDI

By Blair Wood
Western Mail

Spanish winger Andrea Orlandi has admitted he is still playing a waiting game over his Swansea City future despite the promise of a new contract from Roberto Martinez.

Along with Dutch keeper Dorus de Vries, Orlandi is the most notable name in the list of Swans players out of contract this summer.

And, despite a distinct lack of first-team opportunities since his arrival two years ago, the former Barcelona player has always maintained he wants to extend his stay at the Liberty Stadium.

After a positive meeting with Martinez early last week, the winger returned to Spain confident he would get his wish.

Without offering any specifics, the Swans boss told him to expect a new deal to arrive within the week.

Orlandi scored once in 15 appearances last season

But, seven days later, Orlandi is still waiting to hear back from Swansea. And, while he isn't worried yet, the talented 24-year-old is eager for Martinez to deliver on his promise sooner rather than later.

"I spoke to the gaffer on the Monday before I flew back to Barcelona and he said he would offer me a new contract," he revealed.

"He told me to wait for a few days and I'm still waiting.

"I can't do anything until I hear back from the club. But hopefully it will all be sorted out soon because I love playing for Swansea.

"I'm not worried about it yet. But the longer it goes on, the more nervous you get.

"I still really want to stay. But I have to see what deal I am offered."

While Martinez may be set to offer him a new deal, Orlandi knows he is yet to fulfil his potential with Swansea.

And, while reassured he can still be a big player for the club, the winger was made well aware that his manager would be expecting more from him should he return to Wales next season.

After following up an injury-ravaged debut campaign with extended spells on the bench in the Championship, the player admitted he had struggled for form.

But, pledging to show his true colours if given an extended run in the team, he claimed a lack of game-time was the main source of any problems.

"Roberto said that he still trusts me to do a job," he explained. "But he also said he doesn't think I have played to 100 per cent of my ability yet.

"I know that is true, but it's very difficult to hit top form when you play once and then sit out the next five games. I just haven't had enough time on the pitch.

"I can't argue with what the gaffer says because he is a great manager and I really respect him.

"But I do know that, if I had played more often, I would have shown that I am a much better player than the Swans fans have seen so far."