Rodon: We aim to defend our title

Joe Rodon insists Swansea City Under-23s will set out to defend their Premier League Cup title when they kick off this season’s campaign against Newcastle United in Group D on Wednesday (1pm).

The young Swans lifted the trophy in May following a 2-0 win over Reading at the Liberty Stadium. 

The under-23s captain helped the side to back-to-back league victories over Arsenal and Sunderland last week and believes they are in a good place going into tomorrow’s tie at Whitley Park. 

“It is massive for us to defend our title,” the defender said. “We did brilliantly to go all the way last season and we want to do the same again.

“Newcastle will be tough opposition but we are full of confidence and will aim to carry on our winning run and kick off this season’s campaign with three points.

“It would be a massive achievement for us and club to lift the trophy again. We are not going to get too far ahead of ourselves. We have to take every game as it comes.”

The development side will also face games against Burnley and Colchester United with the top two teams in Group D advancing to the knockout stage.

And Rodon, who recently recovered from a hamstring injury, admits he is relieved to be back in action.

“I had to pull out of the recent international game with what was thought to be a grade two tear,” the Welsh Under-21 skipper said.

“That could have kept me out for as long as six weeks, but thankfully it was not as bad as first feared. 

“It was a massive relief for me. I did not want to be sidelined for that long. I am very grateful I have been able to help the team get wins over the past few weeks.”

Swansea City's Under-23s face Newcastle United in Group D of the Premier League Cup at on Wednesday, November 29 at 1pm. Updates via twitter @SwansOfficial.