Steve Cooper | We must embrace the challenge

Steve Cooper has told his players to embrace the challenge and have no fear when Swansea City host Championship leaders Norwich City tonight (8.15pm).

The high-flying Canaries sit five points above the third-placed Swans, who have a game in hand, going into this intriguing encounter at the Liberty.

But Cooper’s side are buoyed by a nine-match unbeaten streak in all competitions during a season where they have tasted just one defeat on home soil.

It is all set up for a grand clash in SA1, and Cooper expects the game to live up to its billing.

“We've got to embrace these challenges and look forward to them, and have no fear,” said the Swans boss.

“It’s about really backing ourselves and trying to do the best of our ability. Regardless of when you play Norwich, it’s going to be a tough challenge.

“It’s got the makings of a good game. They’re going well, we’re going well. They have a very clear way of playing.

“We've got to look forward to these big games. I just love the camaraderie within the lads. They’re a really professional bunch of players, but in the end, it’s a league environment, and these big games are the ones you want to be judged on.”