Richards warns against complacency

Gary Richards wants to see Swansea City Under-23s continue their winning run when they face Derby in Premier League 2 at St George’s Park tonight (7pm).

The young Swans have clocked up four successive league victories, with Arsenal, Sunderland, Liverpool and Chelsea all seen off during an impressive stretch of form.

And Richards believes improved performances have delivered results - but has warned the players must not to get complacent.

“Our league performances have been very good in recent weeks,” the under-23s coach said.

“You have to work hard to get just one win in this division, so off the back of those wins are four good performances.

“To win four in a row is a real good effort and we want to carry on that momentum and extend the run if we can.

“In order to do that the performance needs to be there once again and we must make sure there is no complacency.

“We can go into our game against Derby full of confidence, but if we don’t perform to our best standard, we know we will not get the result we want.”

Young players Tyler Reid and Ryan Blair have recently departed the squad with loan spells under way at Newport County and Falkirk respectively.

The departures could mean more opportunities for younger players in upcoming games, with Richards adding more changes are likely.

“We wish Tyler and Ryan all the best,” he continued. “It is probably not the end of the movement this month.

“It is important for our players to go out and experience senior football because that is the level they want to get to.

“We hope they get the first-team football they need to continue their development.

“Their departures will open up opportunities for younger players to come in and get an opportunity. It is down to those players to take that chance.”

Swansea City Under-23s face Derby in Premier League 2 at St George's Park tonight at 7pm with full coverage on www.swanseacity.com.