Russell Martin

Russell Martin | I’m so proud of the players

25th January
First team

Russell Martin hailed his side’s character and bravery following Swansea City’s goalless draw against Queens Park Rangers.

The Swans earned back-to-back clean sheets for the first time since October as they produced another impressive performance on the road against the high-flying R’s.

Martin’s side were also reduced to ten men late on as Flynn Downes was sent off following an altercation with Charlie Austin.

The visitors had chances to take all three points back to SA1, Joel Piroe forcing a smart save from David Marshall and Joel Latibeaudiere dragging an effort wide, while Michael Obafemi saw a late goal ruled out for offside.

At the other end, Luke Amos struck the post and Ben Hamer denied substitute Lyndon Dykes as both sides settled for a point in west London.

But Martin was delighted with the way his players rose to the challenge against a Rangers side who had won seven of their previous nine league games.

Matt Grimes

“I’m really proud of the team. We asked them to come here and show courage and be the team we want to be and we did that,” he said.

“We went toe to toe and were dominant for large periods on a difficult pitch. I thought the boys showed some serious courage and showed good mentality.

“There was a good intensity to the game and with a bit more quality in the final third I think we come away with three points, but it’s back to back clean sheets and I think we got the least we deserved tonight for the amount of character we showed.

“Some of the bravery to play the way they did was incredible and it’s a good point for us.”