Monk hails 'great talent' Shelvey

Shelvey, who turned 23 this week, made his full debut against San Marino in 2012 and made a brief return to Roy Hodgson's squad for the European qualifiers against San Marino and Estonia.

And Monk believes it is no coincidence that the recent form of the former Liverpool man has gone hand in hand with his side's surge to eighth place in the Barclays Premier League table.

Monk said: "Jonjo is a great talent and he can go as far as he wants to go. All he has to do is stay focused and make sure his attitude is spot on.

"I've got a good relationship with Jonjo. He knows what I expect of him and I am there to give him that platform to really push on in his career because you sometimes forget how young he still is.

"At the start of the season he had a few ups and downs, but when he's focused and he's pushing he can deliver great quality. If he continues to do that he can push on and do anything."

Kieran Tripper's chaotic own goal was enough for the Swans to grab victory in a dour game in east Lancashire and move them to within seven points of matching their previous Premier League best of 47.

Ashley Barnes and George Boyd missed the best chances for the hosts while Bafetimbi Gomis skewed a good chance wide for the visitors before Trippier deflected a Jack Cork effort past a hapless Tom Heaton.

Monk was particularly pleased with his side's gritty performance, which came on their back of their high-profile win over Manchester United in south Wales a week ago.

But despite his side's continued excellent form this season, Monk believes he will always have to convince those doubters who have questioned his ability to manage in the top-flight.

Monk added: "I understood coming into this job that it was an opportunity that wouldn't happen very often at this level, and I think I proved my capabilities at the end of last season.

"This season was about trying to push on. The doubters will always be there but they get less and less and I just have to trust in myself that I'm doing the right thing.

"When you achieve things like 40 points earlier in the season than we ever have before, it helps to re-affirm to yourself that what you are doing is right."