Laudrup up for the cup

24th January

Michael Laudrup is hoping an FA Cup run can re-ignite his side's Premier League form ahead of a crucial period for Swansea City.

The Swans travel to Birmingham on Saturday in the fourth round of the competition - a result of that historic win against Manchester United earlier this month.

However, it is their league form that is proving more of a concern with just one league win in their last nine games.

But following the club's success in the Capital One Cup last season - and with the Swans still in the last 32 of the Europa League - Laudrup is well aware of the momentum gained by cup competitions.

And the Swans boss is hoping that a similar run in this season's FA Cup help aid their league form in the coming weeks.



"I've always said I like the cup competitions, because they are the quickest way to success for smaller clubs," said Laudrup. "But the most important thing for us is the Premier League.

"In every game I'll try and put out a competitive team and that will be the case tomorrow because we want to try and win and move on.

"There is something about winning games, and if you win it should give you something and I hope that is the case this weekend.

"Tuesday (against Fulham) is also a key game for us because it is in the league."

With the January transfer window drawing to a close next Friday night, the Swans boss also fielded questions regarding potential activity at the Liberty Stadium.

Bolton striker David N'Gog has been heavily linked with a move to SA1, while defender Neil Taylor has reportedly been the subject of a bid from Fulham.

However, Laudrup played down any movement with the pair in his weekly pre-match press conference on Friday.

"With Neil, there's nothing new with that," he said. "I had a talk with him and it's a special situation. I understand his position and we are here to help if we can.

"But players are part of a group and it's in the interest of Swansea City. Because of the number of games we still have to play we need two players for every position."

Regarding a potential move for N'Gog, Laudrup stated: "As I always say, I can't comment on anything until it is official."

Meanwhile, the Swans have been handed an injury boost ahead of Saturday's clash at St Andrews.

"I think both Pablo (Hernandez) and Jonathan (de Guzman) will be ready for Saturday," said Laudrup. "That's great for us and next week will be very important as well.

"Touch wood, in a couple more weeks we should have even more players back and the whole squad could be ready."