Harries proud of U23s’ campaign

17th May

Captain Cian Harries believes Swansea City Under-23s can look back with pride at their debut campaign in the top flight of development football.

The young Swans narrowly missed out on retaining the Premier League Cup, losing on penalties against Aston Villa in the final at the Liberty Stadium.

But they secured a healthy 11 league wins to finish fourth in Premier League 2 Division One.

There were further highlights in the Checkatrade Trophy, with the Swans youngsters enjoying victories over Football League sides Cheltenham Town, Newport County and Forest Green Rovers.

And despite the disappointment of cup final defeat, Harries has saluted his team-mates at the end of he believes has been a great campaign.

“It was not easy to lose our last game of the season and miss out on retaining the cup,” Harries said.

“But you can’t judge our season on one game and a penalty shootout.

“Since we began back in August, we have grown and got stronger as a team. We have developed and risen to the challenge and beaten some top teams.

“Finishing fourth in the league and reaching the final of a cup shows that.

“I am proud of this team and proud to lead the side. I will back all the boys for this campaign, I think we have had a great season.”

Harries led the development side after joining the Swans from Coventry City last summer.

The 21-year-old, who had featured 17 times for the Sky Blues in League One, believes many of the young Swans have a lot to offer at a higher level.

“We are hungry and we have all got to have that hunger to get into the first team,” Harries added.

“Not all of us are going to get there. Each individual has to find that best pathway.

“Whether that is fighting for a place here, continuing with development football or going out on loan, we have to continue to develop as footballers.

“This season has helped me. I think I have developed a lot as a player on the pitch and a person off it. Now I want to push on and continue to challenge next season.”