Steve Cooper braced for tough Boxing Day assignment

Steve Cooper believes the Boxing Day trip to Brentford is one of the toughest assignments of the season so far, and a test of Swansea City’s credentials.

The Swans head to Griffin Park having picked up seven points from their previous three games courtesy of a draw against Blackburn plus wins against Middlesbrough and Luton.

Those results have left them level on points with the Bees, who currently occupy the final play-off spot.

Swansea have had a good record against the team from west London, and won all three meetings last term.

However, they were beaten 3-0 at the Liberty Stadium in October as Thomas Frank’s side produced a fine performance.

Head coach Cooper is all too aware of their qualities, but is confident the Swans will have plenty to offer themselves in a crunch clash between two top-six hopefuls.

“They are a good team, there is no doubt about that,” said Cooper.

“After a fairly slow start they have picked up a load of points.

“They were playing as well as they are now at the start of the season, but they weren’t getting the points their performances deserved.

“It’s one of the toughest games of the season for me. They have good players, they have invested well over the years and they have a real identity in the way they play.

“As always, it will be about us and what we bring to the game.

“I respect the opposition and look at their strengths and weaknesses but the focus will be on us.

“If we want to achieve this year and keep growing then we will have to go to places like Brentford and play like we did at Luton and get three points.

“They have players that can hurt you. They have good athleticism and play with a style and identity.”