Swansea City coach Alan Curtis has paid tribute to former skipper Ashley Williams.

The defender left for Everton yesterday.

“Ash is one of the best defenders we have ever had, if not the best," Curtis told the Swans website.

“People always talk about legend status – sometimes it seems as though you can become a legend in six months these days.

“But I think that has to come over a period of time.

“You have to do it over a sustained period to become what I would regard as a true legend, and I think Ash has fulfilled all the criteria as far as legend status goes.

“There is no doubt about it - he is one of the best players who has ever played for this club."