‘Let's step it up’

Gary Richards has issued a rallying cry to Swansea City Under-23s ahead of tonight’s Premier League Cup final against Aston Villa at the Liberty Stadium (7pm).

The development coach has called on the young Swans to make the most of the opportunity to challenge for silverware and step up their progress.

Victory would see the Swans make history in development football as the first side to win back-to-back titles since the cup’s creation in 2013.

And Richards believes that can act as an incentive to the young squad as they play their final game of 2017-18.

“It is a great stage on which to end the season and we don’t want to miss the opportunity to impress in front of our home fans,” Richards said.

“We have to make sure we are prepared properly and don’t go into it with complacency.

“We need to step it up and be more confident with our football in this final.

“Even though we have had victories in our last few games, there are still improvements we must make."

While the Swans finished fourth in Premier League 2 Division 1, Villa are hoping to climb into the top tier of development football in the end-of-season play-offs. 

“Aston Villa are challenging for promotion and have a lot of momentum behind them. That will mean we face a tough game," Richards added.

“We have to make sure we are prepared properly and don’t go into it with complacency.

“The players have the opportunity to make history in development football. Winning back-to-back cups would be the perfect way to finish the season.”

Swansea City's Under-23s face Aston Villa in the Premier League Cup final at the Liberty Stadium tonight (7pm).

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