Richards: Youngsters will start on merit

6th April

Gary Richards says "a couple" of academy players have earned the opportunity to start Swansea City Under-23s’ Premier League Cup quarter-final against Brighton tonight (7pm) on merit.

The young Swans, who lifted the cup last year after beating Reading 2-0 in the final, resume their title defence as they aim to book a place in the last four of this season’s competition at Landore.

Brighton will provide a stern test as they arrive in South Wales off the back of an impressive 3-0 victory over Everton in the last 16.

Along with Cameron Toshack, Richards has used the tournament to introduce several younger players to development football, with the likes of Steven Benda, Joe Lewis, Kees de Boer, Ben Cabango and Matt Blake all enjoying game-time at this level in recent weeks.

And Richards feels some of the youngsters have earned the right to start the Seagulls tie.

“A couple of the younger players will be in the team on merit,” he said.

“Over the past few games, the players that have come in have done very well, so there will certainly be one or two starting and deservedly so.

“We’re expecting a tough game. Brighton are on a good run of form, so it will be a case of making sure that our performance levels are where they need to be.

“We need to make sure we’re at our best to get through to the next round.”

Swansea City's Under-23s face Brighton in the quarter-final of the Premier League Cup at Landore tonight (7pm). Entry for fans is FREE, but there is no parking at the facility.

The game will also be streamed LIVE on swanseacity.com.