LLOYD Kelly admitted in-form Swansea City frontman Jamie Paterson has "got the quality of a top player" as the former teammates prepare for battle today.

Paterson and Kelly played alongside one another during their time at Bristol City.

Now 29, Paterson heads to Vitality Stadium with the Swans as one of their chief goal threats, having notched five in his past nine outings, including in victory over Coventry City on Tuesday.

He will not be the only familiar face in the Swansea side for Bristol-born Kelly.

When coming up through the ranks at his boyhood club, Kelly also played alongside midfielder Korey Smith.

He has proven to be a key cog for Russell Martin's Swans in recent weeks, and was previously a captain at Bristol City during Kelly's time there.

Asked how much he learned from the likes of Smith and Paterson, Kelly, who has captained Cherries for all their Championship matches this season, told the Daily Echo: "When I was playing with them I was much younger.

"I’ve always seen Korey as a leader. He was always getting around people.

"And giving that confidence boost when the confidence was low.

"He’s a big player and the same for Pato. He’s got the quality of a top player.

"And obviously the form that he’s in at the moment is good for him.

"But we have a job to do. Hopefully we can end the week well."