Morgan Bates hoping to end successful season on a high

Under-21s’ striker Morgan Bates is hoping to end the season on a high after he netted his second hat-trick in Swansea City colours against Birmingham City on Monday afternoon at St Andrew’s.

The Swans surged into the lead as Thomas Woodward netted twice inside the first 25 minutes, with Ramon Rees-Siso playing a key role in both goals.

The Blues pulled one back not long after through a powerful Kurtis Havenhand strike approaching the half-hour mark.

But Bates sealed the win with his second-half treble, his second as a Swans player since joining in September as the visitors romped to a 5-1 victory.

"It was a great feeling again to get another hat-trick, especially in such a dominant performance and at a big stadium," said Bates.

"I thought the boys were incredibly strong out on the pitch, we created a lot of chances but we had spells where we let the opposition get back into the game, and it was disappointing to concede whilst we were on top.

"For my goals, I can always count on the boys to deliver, especially Woody [Thomas Woodward] and Aimar [Govea], it's something we work on a lot. And Ramon [Rees-Siso] also played a big part in Woody's two goals.

"We've got one game left now, and it's at home in the stadium which is always a great experience. I'd love to get a couple more goals, after my first one at Burnley. I hope to finish on a high."