Steve Cooper | We have to go for it

Steve Cooper says Swansea City “have to go for it” as the battle for positions intensifies in the Championship’s promotion race.

The Swans endured a third consecutive defeat on Friday night as Scott Hogan’s last-gasp penalty earned Birmingham City three points in the Midlands, meaning Cooper’s side slipped nine points behind Watford, who occupy the second automatic promotion spot in the second tier.

The Swans do have a game in hand over the Hornets, but with eight matches left of their campaign, they have some ground to make up.

Aside from their final fixture at Watford, their campaign will see a two-game week schedule for the remainder of the season, and Cooper believes it’s a survival of the fittest as teams jostle for position.

“It’s been tough, but it’s the same for everyone,” said Cooper, who sees his side host Preston on Monday.

“It’s a survival of the fittest both physically and mentally. It’s a rocky road, and we’re on a bit of a downer at the moment, but it’s important that we return to a high.

“We have got to go for it.”