Richards calls for competitive edge at Derby

Gary Richards wants Swansea City’s under-23s to build on recent performances when they face title-chasing Derby County in Premier League 2 at Loughborough University Stadium tonight (7pm).

The young Swans lie bottom of the Division One table with only one win so far this campaign while the Rams are second, two points off table-toppers Everton.

Despite their league position, Derby go into tonight’s game on the back of two defeats with Richards calling on the Swans to build on the hard-fought point they picked against Liverpool before Christmas.

“We want to start the New Year as best we can on the front foot,” the under-23's coach said.

“We have been competitive at points in the games we have played so far this season, but that has not reflected in the results, nor the points we have picked up.

“It is important that we don’t focus on our league position but look to push on and turn the good spells of play we are creating into results.

“We picked up a decent point against a more experienced Liverpool side before Christmas. Now we must look to build on that and maintain the performance levels.

“This season has shown there is a clear pathway to first-team football for our young academy players, so performances must be at their best if more want to follow that route.”