Alan Sheehan | We want to start a hectic period on a good note

Head coach Alan Sheehan believes character and togetherness will be key as Swansea City look to start a hectic period on a positive note at Southampton this afternoon (12.30pm).

The Swans face the Saints on the south coast in the lunchtime kick-off at the outset of a run of seven games in 21 days that also takes in fixtures against QPR, Norwich City, Manchester City, Preston and Ipswich.

Sheehan acknowledges it will be a challenge for his squad, but is confident they can come through this period strongly if they continue to show resilience. 

“We know this is going to be quite manic,” he said.

“But I think you break it down to one game at a time, understanding where every player is at and what we want to do and what we need for every game.

“Obviously, we want to keep building character and togetherness within the squad because when the games are coming taking fast, when you have good character and togetherness and momentum and that resilience within the squad, that's where a lot of games in the Championship are decided at the moment.

“We start by facing another team where a new manager is transitioning into a way that they want to play.

“It will be a very difficult game with a team that was in the Premier League last year.

“If you look at this block of games,  we've had Leicester and we have Southampton, Ipswich and Manchester City, so four teams that were in the Premier League last year.

“It’s definitely not a task to underestimate, and we start with a really difficult test against a team with individuals that are highly capable for the level.

“It’s a challenge but one that we are looking forward to.”