Monk calls for more of the same

Garry Monk has urged his players to pick up from where they left off against Chelsea as they prepare to face Newcastle on Saturday (3pm).

The Swans started the new season with an impressive performance at Stamford Bridge last weekend as they twice came from behind to draw 2-2 against the reigning Premier League champions.

But Monk's side return to home soil on Saturday as they welcome Newcastle to the Liberty Stadium, and the Swans boss is hoping that his players can replicate their recent exploits.

"I wanted us to set a standard of performance that we could take into the rest of the season, and I think we achieved that," he said.

"There were plenty of positives to take from the game and its about trying to replicate that now.

"We know it will be difficult because there are always new challenges in this league but it is what we're aiming for.

"We are not getting carried away, however, and there are certainly things we can improve on."

Newcastle appointed Steve McClaren as their new manager back in the summer, with the former England boss strengthening his squad with a number of new acquisitions.

The Magpies kicked-off the campaign with a 2-2 draw of their own against Southampton last Sunday, while Swansea have won five out of their last six meetings between the two sides.

However, Monk believes that previous results will not have an impact in what he thinks will be a "tough" encounter.

"Steve (McClaren) is a very good and experienced manager. They have added quality to the squad this summer and have always been a big club who can attract players," he said.

"Of course we've done well against Newcastle in the past but it's a new team there now, with a new manager, and we have to be ready and focussed because we're expecting a really tough game on Saturday."

Meanwhile, Monk confirmed that Ki Sung-Yueng will return to training on Friday after the midfielder limped off against Chelsea with a hamstring problem.