Swan, 19, scored in both legs of the Students' First qualifying round victories over Luxembourg outfit Dudelange this month and is looking to continue that form in the Second Qualifying Round against Slovan Bratislava.
With ten league goals to his name in the First Division, there is no doubt that Swan is one of the most exciting strikers in the SSE Airtricity League and he is determined to go all the way to the top.
The Finglas native previously played schoolboy football with Home Farm and Tolka Rovers before playing for Bray Wanderers at U19 level last year so his first season as a senior player has been a massive success.
Swan is certain that working with the FAI ETB course in Cabra has been at the heart of his rapid development.
“Everything is going great for me and I have to say that the course is a great help with the fitness and gym work. The course started in late-September so it kept me going through the winter and I came into pre-season in excellent shape," he said.
“It’s like being a full-time pro in that you are training every day but I am also in the gym and as part of the course we are being taught about what to eat and how to rest properly.
“It’s probably the fittest I’ve ever been. It was like being a pro training every day and UCD are very good with that side of things too. It all linked in together."
Swan has also embraced the educational side of his course and is looking at his options to further his education upon graduation.
“The education side of things is also linked with the football in terms of nutrition and anatomy and how to look after body. We're doing an ITEC diploma in gym instruction and also certificates in swimming, spinning, steps and other aspects of fitness training. I hope to learn more and progress my education.
“I want to go as far as I can in the game. I played for Paul Doolin’s home-based U18s against Wales last year and scored. I’d love to get another chance to play for my country and if I got a chance with U21s that would be great," he added.
"Every time I step up a level I try to prove I can score at that stage. The next game for UCD against Slovan Bratislava will be very tough but we were written off by everybody for the first one and we beat them at home then did enough to progress.
"I believe the quality is there in our squad and we have to be confident we can cause another upset. Besides that one of our main focuses is to gain promotion and if we can get a run of wins together I believe we can still win the First Division."
Swan is following in the footsteps of his dad Derek who was a lethal goal-scorer for Bohemians in the 1980s and 1990s but the striker is keen to carve out his own name in the game.
“My dad is very proud that I’m getting all the attention now but I want those headlines for myself. I'll have to keep scoring goals to do that!" said Ryan.
For individuals interested in the FAI ETB course, registration is now open for all FAI ETB courses. Contact ETB (formerly FAS) offices for details or contact FAI Co-ordinators:
Harry Kenny, Dublin 086 0437764
Harry McCue, Dublin 086 6097544
Gerry Davis, Dublin 087 2830470
Trevor Lovell, Limerick 087 2398718
Leo Tierney, Mayo 087 6816442
Mick Conroy, Cork 086 8030149
Ray Claffey, Cork 086 0434515
Billy Woods, Cork 086 6025509