Richards targets perfect end

Gary Richards believes winning back-to-back Premier League Cup titles would be the perfect way for Swansea City Under-23s to round off the season against Aston Villa at Liberty Stadium on Friday (7pm).

The young Swans lifted the cup by beating Reading in the final last season, but only a handful of players from that game are likely to feature in tomorrow’s finale.

Fresh faces have filled the void left by the likes of Oli McBurnie, Adam King, Joe Rodon, Tyler Reid and Jay Fulton, while defender Connor Roberts has stepped up the the first team this season.

And Richards believes the turnover of players has allowed the development side to grow and evolve on the pitch since last season’s cup triumph.

“Many of last season’s champions in this competition have been out on loan with EFL sides,” Richards said.

“That shows how much the squad has changed and evolved over the past 12 months.

“We are always looking to rotate the squad and introduce younger players to the set-up which shows we are continually looking to develop players.

“Competition for places within the team has been great this season and many have contributed to another successful cup run.

“Younger players will have the opportunity to test themselves in tomorrow’s final.

“Steven Benda, Ben Cabango and Matthew Blake could all have the opportunity to win two cups inside a week following their success with the under-19s in the FAW Youth Cup on Tuesday.”

Swansea City's Under-23s face Aston Villa in the Premier League Cup final at the Liberty Stadium this Friday, May 4 (7pm).

Entry to the game is FREE for all fans.