Steve Cooper sets Millwall challenge

Steve Cooper has challenged Swansea City to quickly settle back into the groove and ensure they mark the return of Championship action with a positive result against Millwall this afternoon (3pm).

The Swans host the Lions on the back of a three-match unbeaten run, which left them fourth in the table over the international break.

However, head coach Cooper admits Swansea have not been at their best coming out of the blocks after the respite afforded by international action.

The Swans suffered a first defeat of the season to Nottingham Forest after the September break, and picked up a hard-earned point at Barnsley following the October recess.

And Cooper wants to see an improvement on those showings against Gary Rowett’s Lions.

“It’s the first game after the international break and – truth be told – we have not done too well in games after those breaks,” he said.

“That was the case against Nottingham Forest and in the first half at Barnsley. It’s something we have spoken to the players about.

“We need to prove we can play well after a break.

“So, that adds to the challenge. This league is one where you have to be ready for every game you play.

“You cannot look too much into the form of other teams, and you cannot take your own form for granted.

“You just have to be ready every game. This is our first for a couple of weeks against a team who are having a real go at the moment and we are looking forward to it.

“We are looking forward to being back at the Liberty Stadium because it feels like a long time since we last played there.”