Stephen Welsh | We're excited by the challenge ahead of us

Stephen Welsh is eager to meet the physical test of the Championship as he prepares for his first taste of the division when Swansea City face Stoke City on Saturday.

The defender joined the Swans over the summer having most recently been at Celtic and enjoying an excellent season on loan at Motherwell.

Having spent all his career to date in his homeland, the Scot is excited by the challenge ahead as the big kick-off arrives.

Welsh knows it will be a gruelling campaign, but it is one he and his new teammates are keen to get under way after the work put in during pre-season.

"I've got to be honest, the start of the Championship has felt like a long time coming because I joined quite early in the summer," he said.

"So I am really looking forward to the weekend and getting things under way.

"I know this league will be more physical, it's more games with 46 compared to 38, and it will also be more demanding mentally.

"You look at the depth of the division, you've got 24 teams all posing different questions and all capable of beating each other and being of a good standard.

"So it will be tough, but the feeling in the group is one of excitement and we are really keen to try and make a good start."

The Swans will be without Cameron Burgess at the bet365 Stadium after the Australia international suffered a cruel Achilles injury that is set to sideline him for a significant amount of time.

That could see Welsh handed his Swans debut in the Potteries, but he voiced his support for his teammate as he begins his recovery.

"It's the tough part of football, and I feel absolutely terrible for Cam," said Welsh.

"It's one of the worst injuries you can get, and when the lads found out the extent of it you can only feel for him. 

"He is a great guy, he really helped me settle in here and we are all gutted for him. I am sure he will come back stronger.

"The nature of football means there will be a chance for someone to come in, when I signed I felt ready to come and play.

"I have a winning mentality, given where I have come from, it's all about winning and performing when given the chance.

"I hope I can do that and we make a good start."