Lamah: Hazard endorsed Swansea

Roland Lamah has revealed how Chelsea star Eden Hazard's endorsement of Swansea convinced him to make the move to south Wales.

The 25-year-old winger has joined Michael Laudrup's side on an 18-month loan deal from Spanish side Osasuna, which Swansea have the option of making permanent at any stage.

Lamah, who is ineligible for Wednesday's FA Cup third-round replay at Arsenal, has kept an eye on Swansea's progress since becoming aware of their interest.

The Belgium international was particularly impressed with their 2-0 win over Hazard's Chelsea in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final last week.

And Lamah revealed how his compatriot, who moved to Stamford Bridge for a £32million fee in the summer, had nothing but good things to say about Swansea. He is now hoping to take the field against Hazard in next week's second leg.

He said: "I spoke to Hazard before making my decision. He said he thinks I will feel good here and I hope to play against him next week.

"He said Swansea is a good club to come to and it's very complicated to play against them.

"The last game I watched them play was against Chelsea. A 2-0 win is very good and it convinced me to sign.

"It has always been an ambition of mine to play in the Premier League, every player wants to play here. It's a good league with good players and great fans."

Lamah, who was born in the Ivory Coast before moving to Belgium at the age of 15, won five caps for the Red Devils in 2009 and hopes performing well in the Premier League alongside several of his compatriots will allow him to make a return to the national squad.

"Hopefully I can follow the likes of (Mousa) Dembele, (Eden) Hazard and (Vincent) Kompany by doing well in England," he said.

"It's good that Belgian players are doing so well.

"I hope I can play very well here and get back into the national team and help Belgium to get to the World Cup.

"I haven't played for them for a few years so it's my objective."

Lamah's move will also give him the chance to link up with one of the stars of the season to date in Michu.

Lamah came across the 16-goal forward during his time in La Liga, and is eager to play in the same side as the Spaniard.

"Michu's a good player and everyone in France, Spain and the Ivory Coast is talking about him," he said.

"I didn't play against him in Spain because I was injured but I'm happy to start to play alongside him now."