Richards: Savour the occasion
23rd March
Swansea City Under-23s must savour their big moment when they face the toughest test of their season this weekend.
That's the message from coach Gary Richards ahead of Saturday's Premier League International Cup semi-final tie with Portuguese side Porto at the Liberty (12.30pm).
The Premier League 2 Division 2 champions take on a Porto side who have beaten Manchester United, Leicester City and Wolfsburg en route to their final-four clash.
The visitors ply their trade in the LigaPro - the second tier of Portuguese football - and Richards believes it is a challenge the young Swans must relish taking on.
"They have a real good reputation of producing players, so we are under no illusions. It's going to be a very tough game," he said.
"It has been a very exciting competition for us, and this is a game we are really looking forward to.
"Playing against teams like Feyenoord, Dinamo Zagreb, Chelsea and Hertha Berlin has been a fantastic experience for us - players and staff.
"But we don't want the journey to end here. We may have won the PL2 League with two games to go but we are not easing up in terms of our objectives.
"We are on a good run and the squad is determined to get to the final.
"It would be a massive boost if the players get a good turnout at the Liberty. They have really enjoyed playing in front of a few thousand fans, and this is another opportunity for the players to go and enjoy.
"We just missed out on reaching the Checkatrade Trophy final, so the players are really focused on going all the way in this competition."
The Swans will be without injured duo Botti Biabi and Jordan Garrick, but Oli McBurnie will be available as he will link up with Scotland Under-21s for their friendly against Estonia after Saturday's game.
All tickets for this game are priced at just £1. Tickets can be purchased online HERE or by contacting 0844 815 6665.
Fans are urged to book in advance to prevent large queues on matchday. Alternatively, supporters are advised to attend early, while a cash pod will be located outside the ticket office.
Please note, the ticket office will be open until 4pm on Saturday to allow season ticket holders to renew for the 2017-18 campaign.
Meanwhile, Norwich City host Sunderland in the other semi-final, with that tie being held at Carrow Road on Friday, March 31.
