The Swansea City star proving a point to Russell Martin after 'tough start to life' at club

Patience has perhaps been the key requirement underpinning Russell Martin's tenure at Swansea City so far.

A tricky transfer January transfer window has probably held back this team's progress under the new boss, but with January in the rear-view mirror, it makes little sense to dwell too much on what might have been.

This has certainly been a season of adjustment for the Swans. A transition away from the philosophy of Steve Cooper, whose football was far more functional than it was exciting to watch.

After arriving at the beginning of August, Martin was denied the luxury of a pre-season, and subsequently spent much of the opening few weeks of his reign emphasising the importance of conditioning in aiding his side along in what has become known as 'the process'.

The Swans boss seemingly made a point of stressing on several occasions that this team wasn't quite up to the levels he needed to play his brand of football.

There's been progress. We can all see it. The wins over Blackburn Rovers and Bristol City point to the genuine potential of this team.

But Martin might well argue that this squad still isn't quite there yet. The defeat to Stoke showed just how tricky it can be to maintain the levels of intensity needed to keep up with his philosophy.

However, for the most part, it seems most of his players have stepped up to the challenge.

Few players have encapsulated the journey so far more prominently than striker Michael Obafemi.

The Irish international has, to put it mildly, had a pretty bumpy time of things in south Wales.

After seeing an initial loan move last January wrecked due to injury, Obafemi has had to really dig in to get himself up to speed under the current regime.

Martin had previously suggested that the