'Another step forward'

Martin Olsson reckons Swansea City have taken another step forward after they claimed a creditable point at Middlesbrough.

Graham Potter’s men became the first team this season to deny Boro victory on their own patch in the Championship.

The Teessiders had banked four wins from four home league games – against Sheffield United, Birmingham, West Brom and Bolton – without conceding a goal before the Swans came to town.

Tony Pulis’s side secured another shutout yesterday – but so too did the visitors.

And Olsson believes the stalemate was a feather in the cap for Potter’s team, who responded admirably after their midweek defeat at Stoke.

“Middlesbrough was a tough game for us,” the left-back said.

“We played a team who are one of the favourites to go up on their ground and I thought we did well.

“They are really strong on set-pieces but we dealt with them.

“We also played some good football at times and had a chance to get a goal.

“I think we should be happy with a point away from home and a clean sheet.”

Potter acknowledged that his team must improve going forward after a game which was short on clear-cut chances at both ends.

But the Swans boss was happy to get something at a ground where plenty of teams have struggled in recent times.

And Olsson felt the Swans’ battling display gave further evidence of the spirit which is developing in Potter’s squad.

“Middlesbrough is a very hard place to go and get something,” the Swede added.

“Before we went there, no team had taken any points from them at home.

“But we showed great grit and character and that we believe in each other.

“We could have done better going forward, but this is a process and we have plenty of games coming up where we can look to improve.”