Player profile - Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson

Birthplace: Cheltenham DOB: 26/06/1980 Signed: 08/11/1997 Height: 5ft 10in Weight: 10st 8lb

The fresh-faced 21-year-old was part of the Cheltenham squad promoted last season.An attack-minded player, he made just 11 first-team appearances at Cheltenham after joining the club in 1997 as a 17-year-old. Having been released after the club's promotion, Jackson used the trial match arranged earlier this summer by player-manager Nick Cusack to parade his skills and persuaded Swansea's management team to add him to their newlook squad.. Had four seasons as a professional with Cheltenham Town, Michael had to be patient in waiting for a regular first team chance at Cheltenham. A Cheltenham lad who played for both the club and county youth teams, Michael was virtually ever-present in their reserves for the past three seasons, operating in a wide variety of different positions.

However, his preferred place is in the centre of midfield and it was in this role that his Cheltenham first team appearances were made. A small but powerfully built player, Michael covers a lot of ground during a game, he possesses a good shot and likes to get forward whenever possible.