Lewis targets league success

21st September

Aaron Lewis believes Swansea City Under-23s can kickstart their league season when they face Blackburn in Premier League 2 at Landore on Saturday (1pm).

Both development sides are still looking for their first victories in Division One this campaign.

The Swans and their Blackburn counterparts have each taken two points from their opening five league games.

Lewis’ strike was instrumental in the Swans' under-21 side securing an impressive 1-0 victory against League One AFC Wimbledon in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old, who has made more than 50 development appearances for the Swans, reckons the young side can build on their midweek victory.

“It has been a tough start to the season with a few of the younger boys stepping up in the squad,” Lewis said. “But I think everyone has really stuck together and worked hard in training.

“I think it’ll all come together soon - we didn’t start too well last season but we stuck together, worked hard and we knew that the results would come after that.

“Getting the goal on Tuesday was great but it is all about the team. We worked hard as a unit for 90 minutes to get that win so it could have been anyone of us who scored it.

“For a young developing squad to travel away, raise our game and win against Football League opposition shows what we are capable of.

“We didn’t change too much. If we can do it against Wimbledon then we can have the confidence to go and do it against Blackburn.”

Lewis was one of the academy prospects picked by Graham Potter to travel with the first-team squad on pre-season tour this summer.

Despite making a number of pre-season appearances, the defender is yet to follow in the footsteps of fellow youngsters Joe Rodon, Cian Harries, George Byers and Tyler Reid, who have made first-team bows this season.

Even so, Lewis insists he is remaining focused on the task in front of him with the under-23s and will continue to work hard in the hope that a first-team opportunity will come.

“It’s been great to see the boys playing first-team football.” He said.

“The past couple of seasons have been tough for young players at the club because there wasn’t really a chance in the Premier League.

“Graham Potter is showing us that there is a pathway to first-team football and that he has faith in younger players.

“That gives players like me hope that the opportunity is there to work towards. I have to keep working hard with the games in front of me and see what comes of it."