Matt Grimes | Teams will "throw kitchen sink" at play-off bid

Captain Matt Grimes expects all four Championship play-off semi-finalists to “throw the kitchen sink” at the competition to boost their hopes of sealing Premier League promotion.

Swansea City head to Barnsley on Monday night for the first leg of their semi-final, before the return match five days later at the Liberty in a game that will see home fans return to the stadium in limited numbers.

The Swans will be looking to go one step further this time around, having been knocked out at the semi-final stage last season.

Steve Cooper’s side will be hoping to book a place in the final against either Brentford or Bournemouth, but they face an in-form Barnsley side in the two-legged stage.

And Grimes feels each team will have to give everything they have got left in order to get themselves over the line and book a ticket to the Premier League.

“The play-offs stand by themselves. Anything can happen,” said the midfielder.

“Teams will be throwing the kitchen sink at it to get back to the promised land.

“These are unique games, but we are hoping that with the experience we gained last year we will be fully equipped to go one further this time.

“These are the games that you want to be involved in. These could take us to the next level, and it’s hugely exciting.

“You want to go all the way, and we got into the play-offs on the last day of the season last season, which was an emotional rollercoaster.

“It’s a bit different this year as we haven’t really been out of the play-offs.

“We’ve had a really good season so far, and we’ve gone from strength to strength.

“It’s a really positive feeling in the camp, so we are going into this game full of confidence.”

The Swans have beaten Barnsley twice in the league this season, with both games ending 2-0.

However, Grimes was quick to point out that those games will not have any impact in the upcoming two legs.

“Play-off games are similar to derby matches. Form goes out the window,” added the 25-year-old, who has scored four times in 48 appearances this season.

“We won’t look much at the games we’ve played against them this season. We’ve got to focus on what’s in front of us, not what’s gone on in the past.

“When you’re out on the pitch, you’re thinking about how you can affect the game rather than what’s happened earlier in the season.”

With Barnsley fans permitted access for the clash at Oakwell, the return game will see around 3,000 Swans supporters cheering on at the Liberty.

And Grimes revealed that is something the squad can’t wait to experience, particularly the new signings who are yet to play in front of the Jack Army.

“It’s great news. We can’t wait to play in front of our fans because it’s been such a long time since we’ve done that," he said.

“Hopefully they can give us a big boost to get us over the line.

“It’s crazy to think some of the lads haven’t experienced the Jack Army roar yet but, when they do, I know how special that feeling is going to be.”