Steve Cooper | It's in our own hands

Steve Cooper has urged Swansea City to seize the moment, saying their Championship fate is very much in their own hands.

The Swans enter this weekend’s fixture against Preston just two places and a solitary place behind the Lilywhites, who currently occupy the final play-off spot.

There are still 17 games remaining in a promotion fight that could go down to the wire with a number of teams within striking distance of both the top two and the top six.

But Cooper knows if the Swans can string together a strong run of form at an important stage of the season, they can ensure they are not reliant on anyone else when it comes to determining the final outcome of the campaign.

“Everything is in our hands, in every game everything is in our hands and in our control,” said the head coach.

“That is always the best place to be as you can do it yourself then, you don’t rely on anyone else.

“I have talked to the players a lot about that; don’t wait for things to happen, don’t look back wondering 'what about this?' Or 'what about that?'

“Go and make it happen now, because we are getting to that stage of the season now.

“We know if we can get it right we can play some really good football, keep clean sheets and score goals and put a run together.

“But you have to make it happen, and that’s where we are at.

“I believe in these players, I see their willingness to work hard and do well. I believe their players at this football club matter to them.

“That’s a good thing, but that does not count for much unless you make it happen. That’s what we are focused on, looking only as far as Preston on Saturday.”