Naughton suspended, but no new injury worries for Bristol City clash

17th July
First team
Nottingham Forest (A) Naughton 3

Steve Cooper has no new injury concerns for Swansea City’s clash with Bristol City, but will be without the suspended Kyle Naughton.

Naughton was shown a straight red card during the closing stages of the 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest in midweek.

Head coach Cooper had hinted the Swans would consider an appeal, but he confirmed they have elected against that measure and are resigned to being without the defender for the rest of the regular season.

“We will accept it for what it is, we failed with the appeal procedure with Jake Bidwell earlier in the season, which was quickly turned back. So, we felt it was not worth pursuing with two games coming up quickly,” said Cooper.

“Kyle has had a really good season, playing in an orthodox back four and as a centre-back in a back three.

Nottingham Forest (A) van der Hoorn

“But injuries and suspensions happen, a sending off is nothing out of the norm, we will adapt accordingly and try and put out the right team and and formation to win the game.”

Naughton joins Ben Wilmot and Joe Rodon on the sidelines, but there was good news in defensive terms with Mike van der Hoorn coming through an hour at Forest in his first start since January.

“It was great to see Mike back, he has worked so hard and we have missed his experience and quality as a player,” added Cooper.

“It was a big achievement to get him back on the pitch.

“We have really had to manage him since returning to training, it is a boost to see him back and he’s there to use him in the remaining two games.”