Richards hopes for Liberty backing

15th March

Gary Richards believes the Jack Army can be a 12th man for Swansea City Under-23s as they prepare to face Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday (1pm).

The development side landed their ninth league win of the season as they chalked up an impressive 3-1 success over league leaders Leicester City on Monday.

That result lifted the Swans up to fourth in the Division 1 table.

And with victories over Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City in the bank this season, Richards hopes the Swans will treat supporters to another match winning performance against bottom side Manchester United this weekend.

“Sunday’s game comes off the back of a very good performance against Leicester,” Richards said.

“The attacking manner of the victory was good to see. The team delivered everything we asked of them and we want to maintain that level against Manchester United this weekend.

“Stadium games are very special occasions for us and we are looking forward to the experience. It is important we show what we can do in front of our home fans.

“Our performance levels have rarely dipped this season and we hope our supporters will take the opportunity to come out and watch us.”

Fans will be treated to free entry on Sunday as the under-23s look to continue an impressive first season in the top flight of development football.

But the young Swans will be without defender Brandon Cooper and winger Jordon Garrick after both players picked up injuries during Monday’s win.

Richards believes the fitness issues will offer opportunities to other players within the development squad.

“Both players have done very well this season and will be missed,” he continued. “But it opens the door for younger players to prove themselves at a higher level.

“Everyone who has stepped in from the under-18s has performed very well and that shows we have some good young talent progressing through the academy.

“This game is a great opportunity for us to showcase our next generation of players and continue their development in a stadium environment.

“We don’t want to drift to the end of the season. The players are eager to show they have improved and our aim must be to continue our momentum and make sure we are fighting to the very end.”

Fans can watch this Sunday’s game at the Liberty Stadium (1pm) free of charge. Supporters who attend will be handed a free ticket prior to entry from the ticket office or programme booth, depending on the weather, in order to assist with stadium safety requirements.

There will also be free parking available at the stadium on a first come, first served basis.