Russell Martin | We need to continue to show the right mentality

As Swansea City prepare to face Bristol City in the Championship at Ashton Gate this afternoon (12pm), head coach Russell Martin believes continuing to applying the right mentality and attitude will be key if the Swans are to continue their fine recent form.

The Swans are currently on a run which has seen them win six out of the last seven league games in the Championship, and are one of the form teams in the second tier.

Last weekend’s 2-0 south Wales derby win over Cardiff City raised the Swans to a season high of fourth place with five games to go until the World Cup break.

The hosts sit 13th in the table, but the nature of this most open of Championship seasons means they are well within reach of the top six and the play-off places.

The Swans will be buoyed by a large travelling support from the Jack Army for the short trip across the Severn, something Martin believes can make a difference as his side look to perform to the level they have over much of the season to date/

“We have over 2,500 fans going, which is incredible. They play such a big part in what we’re doing. They’ve been amazing, especially away from home and the amount they have travelled”, said Martin. 

“Hopefully they will use the energy from Sunday. The atmosphere was great last year. It was our first win and a nice one to remember. 

“I want the players to go there with the same courage and intensity that they have shown, the same intensity. I’m sure the fans will bounce off that. We’ll just have to try and keep going. 

“I expect them to be up for the game after a couple of disappointments recently and will be really hungry to get a win. I think Nigel spoke about it. They need to get the three points. 

“They’ve had a lot of disruption to their team. They’ve got some excellent players. On their day they are a real threat.at the top end of the pitch and have experience in the league.  

“They have some excellent young players as well. It’s going to be a tough test with it being so close up the road, we have that on the game as well. Our players are in a really good place, we have to go there with the same mentality, and enjoy the occasion.  

“The biggest challenge for us now is to not get complacent and to make sure the habit we’ve had recently of winning is one that stays, that we keep, enjoy and keep wanting more. 

“They were frustrated five or six weeks ago at the league position and the points we had, feeling we should have had more. The situation has certainly helped us going into this period. It gives them energy and something to hang on to and use to energise them.  

“We’ve beaten West Brom and Watford recently and the players have been incredible and so brave. I’ve loved the resilience they’ve shown and how they have managed the games away from home. 

“If we can put those games into this one, we’ll be okay. That’s the challenge and the test, to try and be the same team wherever we go in our character and resilience.

"It’s now about keeping it going and making sure that we’re putting ourselves in that same position with the league so tight and competitive.  

“They have to keep proving that they are ready to compete like we think they are, and they are starting to believe they are. That’s the next test for us.”