Andre Ayew | Let's make the most of this opportunity

Andre Ayew wants Swansea City to make the most of the opportunity they have given themselves when they take on Brentford in the Championship play-offs.

The Swans snatched sixth place on the final day of the season, as their 4-1 win over Reading and Nottingham Forest’s defeat by the same margin allowed them to set-up a semi-final double-header against the Bees.

It ensured that, rather then heading into the off-season, the Swans are still in the promotion hunt and will take on Brentford in the first leg of the tie on Sunday evening (6.30pm).

Head coach Steve Cooper spoke of the need for Swansea to quickly refocus following the drama ot Wednesday night.

And top scorer Ayew, who has 17 goals to his name this season, has urged the Swans to embrace the chance they have created and enjoy the chance to take the club back to the Premier League.

“In my career I have had different emotions, but not like this one at Reading,” said the Swans vice-captain.

“It was special for the club, I never went through a game like that, needing to ask about scoring goals and what needed to happen. It was unique and it will be remembered forever by the fans and the club.

“But we want to make the most of it, every team in the play-offs deserves to be there.

“It will be hard, no-one knows what will happen, but we will give everything we have.

“It’s important, we cannot hide from that, when you get here you want to do everything to go as far as you can.

“So, we have to put Reading behind us and focus on what is coming. What you did in the league does now matter anymore. It’s gone, it’s about these two games.

“This is important for the club. I was here when we went down, so I know the consequences of it and I have that in my head.

“We now have the chance, it is open for everyone, and we have to make the best out of it.”

Under normal circumstances the Liberty would be a 20,000 sell-out for a play-off semi-final, but measures brought in as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic mean the Jack Army will only be able to watch from afar when the Swans and Bees lock horns.

Ayew says he and his team-mates know how lucky they are to be able to resume playing, and hopes they can put smiles on Swansea faces after a difficult period for so many people.

“We are lucky to do what we do, we have the joy to be on the pitch as our passion, but it’s not the same without the fans,” he added.

“You realise life is about making people happy and seeing people happy, and there are things that are important in life.

“It’s important but when you have been through what the world has been through, it is not about stressing yourself, we have to enjoy these moments.”