HE may only be 18, but Jazz Richards is familiar to exceeding expectations.

A cool and composed figure through this interview, he has every reason to bare the grin of a teenager who has already achieved his dream.

Back in April, Richards finished his season with a 7-0 victory for Swansea City's second string at Forest Green Rovers.

Six months on and the Swansea-born midfielder has been forced to reassess his goals a number of times already.

For someone who had originally hoped to make the bench for his hometown club on a few occasions in the current campaign, Richards has totally surpassed expectations.

Richards's big opportunity arrived soon after Paulo Sousa headed into the Liberty Stadium.

After coming on as a substitute in the friendly win over FC Twente, the bar has constantly been raised for the St Joseph's product.

Bench

His first taste of league football followed via an appearance off the bench against Middlesbrough before a full debut came in the defeat at Preston.

Two further starts arrived for Richards — who has operated at right-back and in midfield this term — in what has already been a whirlwind introduction to senior football.

Importantly, however, he has kept his feet on the ground.

"It has come so quickly. I didn't expect to be involved in so many games already for Swansea," said Richards.

"I was expecting to play in the pre-season friendlies and maybe be on the bench a few times during the season.

"But I've been thrown into the deep end a little and I've done all right.

"Getting to play against Middlesbrough was magic. Despite the result, making your first appearance for your hometown team is a special feeling," he said.

"In my first start at Preston I was pretty nervous, but as it was away I wasn't too bad.

"In front of your own people at the Liberty, it is much worse. You have 15,000 Swans fans depending on you and that is a lot of pressure.

"I have a lot of mates who follow the Swans and family too, and I just want to do my best for them and the club.

"But it has gone pretty well for me so far."

Understated

Pretty well being a little understated, perhaps, for a man that has not only gone on to win Wales Under-21 honours but tipped to win full international honours despite a few months experience at senior level.

Darren Pratley — a player Richards aspired to be only a few months ago — has already seen enough of his new team-mate to predict a bright future for Wales, as well as Swansea.

Typically calm, Richards takes the praise in his stride.

"When I read that in the Evening Post it gave me a huge boost," said Richards.

"Prats was my idol when I was in the youth team — he was the player I wanted to become.

"I watch him in training, along with Leon and Joe, and I pick up a lot.

"I've been fortunate enough to play for Wales Under-21s, which was a huge achievement.

Experience

"I am 18 and I have a few years left in the under-21s category so hopefully I can pick up a lot of experience in that time.

"But despite what people are saying about me, or what I am achieving, it is important to stay focused.

"I'll never get big-headed. I couldn't allow myself to be like that, and my family and friends wouldn't either.

"It would be easy for some people at my age to get carried away, but I keep my feet on the ground because I set my targets higher and higher.

"I'll never be content with what I am doing."

Richards — who beat Swansea and Wales Under-21 colleague Shaun MacDonald in Soccer AM's Skill Skool competition on last week's show — is not the only sporting success in his family.

His older cousin Tobias Webb is also proving a knockout success.

The 21-year-old Bonymaen boxer is making a name for himself in the ring after winning both of his two professional bouts to date.

The super-middleweight is set to fight next on October 30, and Richards is delighted with his cousin's success.

"I am quite close with Tobias, we always keep in touch," added Richards. "He is doing very well in boxing, as everyone expected him to.

"It's great to see him progressing in what he wanted to do.

"It's good for the family to see us both doing well in our sports. But neither of us are done quite yet — we have a lot to accomplish," added Richards.