Russell Martin | We have to maintain intensity for Birmingham test

Russell Martin has told his Swansea City players to maintain their intensity as they seek a third consecutive victory when they visit Birmingham City this afternoon (3pm).

The Swans will be backed by over 1,500 fans at St Andrew’s, with the Jack Army buoyed by recent wins over Cardiff City and West Brom.

Birmingham, meanwhile, are looking to end a run of seven games without a win in the Championship – a period that has also seen them score just once.

But Martin knows all too well of the threat Birmingham pose, and insists his squad have to match the performances levels from the south Wales derby and midweek win over the Baggies.

“I saw them at QPR – we were playing Fulham the following day. They work hard and are a strong and aggressive team. I came up against Lee Bowyer last season in League One when he was at Charlton,” said Martin.

“They have a lot of experience and it will be very tough for us.

“We have to go there with the same intensity in the last two games. We have to re-energise and find the same level of enthusiasm and aggression.

“We have to impose our own game wherever we go. It will be difficult but we have to step up to that and rise to the challenge.

“Every game is different. Each team has different threats.

“The players are aware of what we’ll come up against. It’s always been a tough place to go but it’s a brilliant challenge for us after two really strong performances and results.

“We have a big following coming along – I think it’s 1,500 so far with possibly more to come. So we’ll be looking to send our fans home with smiles on their faces.”