Fernandez's focussed on Villa test

20th March

Federico Fernandez revealed he's ready to return to action against Aston Villa after missing the Swans' defeat to Liverpool due to family reasons.
The Argentinian international flew back to his homeland last week, which ruled him out of the home clash with the Reds on Monday night.
It left Jordi Amat partnering captain Ashley Williams in defence, with the Spaniard impressing in his ninth top-flight appearance of the campaign.
But Fernandez was back in training this week as the Swans prepare for Saturday's trip to Aston Villa.
And the centre-back is hoping to force his way back into Garry Monk's plans as the Swans look to close in on beating their highest points tally of 47 in the Premier League.



"I missed the Liverpool game but I am focussed on Aston Villa," said Fernandez, who has made 23 appearances in all competitions following his summer switch from Napoli.
"I wanted to put myself forward for selection in the first team, so I have done everything I can to show the manager I am ready. He has options in that position, but I have trained hard and I am ready to play if he needs me for the team.
He added: "It is important that we get over 47 points. This is the ambition of the team.
"For me to be a part of the team that beats the club's record points tally in the Premier League would be a big honour - particularly in my first season here."
The 26-year-old has enjoyed a fine debut campaign in the English top flight.
A World Cup runner-up with Argentina last summer, Fernandez has adapted quickly to the Premier League.
And he is making the right noises off the pitch as well as on it.



"My English has improved a lot since I arrived - I have two lessons a week," he says without the use of a translator.
"Ash (Williams) is a very experienced player here and I have played a lot with him, so he speaks in both Spanish and English to me. But it is very important for me to communicate with people here in English too, so I was determined to improve my English.
"On the pitch it has been a great season for me. It has been a new challenge with a lot of different styles and players to deal with.
"But I've enjoyed it, and now I want to help the team make this Swansea's best ever season in the Premier League."