There was barely five minutes on the clock when Rhian Brewster was clattered from behind by Cardiff skipper Sean Morrison.

The on-loan Liverpool striker, thrown in for his Swansea debut on the most volatile of stages, got back to his feet assuming a free kick had been given, then briefly stood aghast as he waited for a whistle that never came.

Welcome to Championship football.

It was the start of what was ultimately a frustrating day for the 19-year-old. His capture has been lauded as a big coup in west Wales, deriving from Steve Cooper’s time in charge of England Under 17s.

First team chances at Anfield thus far have been scarce - just two cup appearances to show for his undoubted potential. Game time is needed, hence Jurgen Klopp’s willingness to loan him to a side in desperate need of a cutting edge up front. But if today is anything to go by, Brewster is going to have to learn the hard way.

The sharpness and desire is clearly there. The match was barely 90 seconds old when he dropped deep and showed close control in a move that culminated with Wayne Routledge being flagged offside. After just 11 minutes he clattered into Lee Tomlin and was justifiably booked. He dropped deep, he took quick free kicks to try and up the ante, and he made futile attempts to pressure Cardiff keeper Alex Smithies when he was clearing upfield.

Indeed, aspects of the Liverpool ethos were evident. Brewster pressed the back four, he harried, he tried to close down defenders, but for a youngster with renowned speed he spent much of the 90 minutes with his back to goal.

And this is where he must be patient. The endeavour of Andre Ayew aside Brewster is now in a team that has struggled to create openings of late. Of course things today could have been different had Bersant Celina’s first half effort not come back off the post, but in truth chances for the visitors were few and far between.

Brewster did turn sharply in the second half before dragging a left foot shot wide from long range, and then did similar off his right foot. Both times, you sensed a youngster whose keenness to impress outweighed composure.

But he can improve Swansea. The quality on the ball outweighs that of his predecessor, Sam Surridge, and there were glimpses today of link up play and a space awareness that can’t fail to offer promise. It will take time though. Brewster’s teammates need to get used to him, and he needs to get used to the notion that he’s in a League, and a team, where hard working displays don’t guarantee reward.

And there will be further days of frustration to come.

Although if the 93rd minute was anything to go by, Brewster may know that already. With Swansea seconds away from a point on the road, he found himself in possession in his own half with players breaking either side of him. He looked up, took a touch, and with an action of defiance that would probably have made Klopp spontaneously combust were it his Liverpool side, he hoofed the ball 40 metres upfield into no man’s land.

Maybe he’ll fit into the Championship quicker than we think…..