Mike: Finding consistency the key for Swans

Mike van der Hoorn believes Swansea City must find a way to produce consistent performances if they are to improve and develop further.

The Swans were beaten 3-1 by Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Saturday, paying the price for a poor first-half display.

They conceded three goals in the opening 42 minutes, meaning Wayne Routledge's second-half strike was scant consolation for the visitors.

It was a blow to any lingering hopes the Swans may have of making the Championship play-offs, and skipper Van der Hoorn admits a lack of consistency has proven key this season.

But the 26-year-old says there is still time for Swansea to learn their lessons and finish the season strongly.

“This league is ruthless and we were shown that again here. Every game is a challenge. Every team we are going to play are going to play like Sheffield Wednesday in the first half," said the Dutchman.

“We need to learn from it before next Saturday. We have shown good signs this season but we can’t be a team who just turns up one half.

“We are very unpredictable. Of course, you play with risk but you need to understand when you don’t. It is hard sometimes for a young team to understand that.

“There are still plenty of games. The home games are very important for us. We hope the fans stick with us and keep supporting us.

“We always try to do everything to win games. We are not quite there yet. That is sometimes painful to see, but that is just the reality of playing in this league. We will keep trying wherever we play.”