Grey: U18s facing toughest test
Jon Grey believes Swansea City Under-18s will face their toughest test of the season when they play league leaders Chelsea at Cobham training centre on today (1.15pm).
The academy Swans made it four successive league wins after beating West Ham last week to stay fourth in Premier League South, level on points with Southampton in third.
Chelsea defeated the young Swans 5-0 the last time the sides met at Landore in September.
And given that the Blues have not lost at home for five years, Grey is expecting a major test.
“We don’t fear anyone and can go into the game full of confidence,” the under-18s coach said.
“But there is no doubt this will be our toughest test of the season and we will have to be at our best to get a result.
“Chelsea are one of the best academy sides in Europe, with fantastic players and facilities. It will be a very difficult place to go.
“We have had a good run of performances, with players performing well as individuals to get results, so that gives us even more confidence going into this game.
“Anthony (Wright) and I are delighted with the progress this group is making. They work hard every day to improve as players and are showing it on the pitch.”
Defender Cameron Evans will be available for the tie after his red card in the West Ham game was rescinded.
Full-back Joe Lewis will also be available again following game-time with the under-23s, and Grey hopes more academy players will progress to the development squad before the end of the season.
“It was great to see Joe feature for the under-23s last week,” he added.
“Brandon Cooper has also continued to do well after taking the step into the development set-up and Matthew Blake also featured before Christmas.
“We hope we can push more players to play at a higher level in the coming weeks as it will only benefit them as players.
“Chelsea is another huge learning opportunity for the squad. To get a result we have to reach the next level and that is the standard we want from them every week if they want to progress.”
