Marvin hopes for Swans return

Marvin Emnes says he hopes this afternoon's game is not the last time the Jack Army will see him at the Liberty.

Garry Monk's side secured their place in the top flight with a thumping 4-1 victory over Aston Villa last weekend - and in the process claimed back-to-back league wins for the first time since December 2012.

The Swans now welcome Southampton to south west Wales for today's penultimate game of what has been another enthralling campaign.

But for Emnes himself, today marks just two games left until his loan spell at the Liberty is due to end.

The Dutchman arrived in SA1 for his second spell back in January, and has featured seven times following his switch from Middlesbrough.

And the 25-year-old is hoping that he can make a permanent switch to the Liberty this summer.

"That would be something great," he said. "I've been on loan here before, and I had to go back to Middlesbrough afterwards.

"This time I'm back again and we'll see what happens at the end of the season. But hopefully I can stay and we can get it sorted out.

"The fans have always been fantastic with me, and I want to give them something back - and hopefully it isn't the last time that they see me at the Liberty.

"I enjoyed my time here three years ago and it is the same this time round. I haven't played with a smile on my face for a long time and it feels good."

Emnes has also played his part in helping the Swans to secure their Premier League status.

After coming off the bench late on against Newcastle a fortnight ago, the winger won the stoppage-time penalty that was duly converted by Wilfried Bony to earn a crucial three points.

And he won another spot kick last weekend against Aston Villa after again coming off the substitutes bench.

"It was a very important win," he said. "The week before we got the three points away at Newcastle, and people were saying then that we were safe.

"But as a squad we didn't want to take anything for granted and it was important that we got that victory. It was great for the fans and for the club, but now we just want to keep going.

"There wasn't much time in either game and the manager just told me go and work for the team. He said that a chance would come and it did - in both games.

"It's good to help the team to a win, but it's also nice to score goals as a striker and that's what I'd like.

"I've been close on a couple of occasions, and I'm confident enough to say that it is coming."

Emnes also praised head coach Garry Monk for the role he has played in guiding Swansea City to safety.

"When I first came here, I played with Garry Monk. This time, he is the head coach," said the Dutchman.

"With the situation of the change of manager, he just told me I had nothing to worry about and to just show what I can do.

"I think it's good when a manager speaks to you. He talks a lot with the players about what he wants us to do and how we can improve. It really helps with a manager like that.

"I have players around me who want to play good football, which makes it much easier for myself.

"It was exactly the same during the last time I was here. We play good football, we create a lot of chances. It's the type of football I like to play."

Despite not featuring on a regular basis since his switch in January, it is clear that Emnes is enjoying his football.

The celebrations amongst the squad at St James' Park a told its own story, while the relief was evident around the Liberty last Saturday as Premier League safety was secured.

But the winger knows that he has had to be patient while the squad competed on both the domestic and European fronts.

"Playing for Swansea is always great," he said. "We have so many good players that it's hard to get in the team.

"To wait for a chance is something you need to do. I played ten minutes at Newcastle and every time you get on the pitch you've got to try to do something to help the team.

"Every player wants to play, but I knew from the first minute I came to Swansea it was going to be difficult to get in the team because we have so many good players.

"Then again, if you can help the team with every opportunity you get, it's always good for yourself and the team."

In what has been a particularly long season for the Swans, the end is nigh.

A campaign of many highs, and a few lows, it has been another one for the archives at the Liberty.

And Emnes is hoping that he and his team-mates can end the season on a positive note ahead of the summer months.

"It's our last home game of the season and we want to finish on a high and hopefully we can do that," he said. "It will be good to win the last two games to take into next season.

"It has been a long campaign for us, even though I haven't been here for the whole time, but the players have done well and the fans have been great.

"If we win these two games we'll be very happy."