Swansea City Aston Villa Under-21s Josh Vickers

Josh Vickers believes Swansea City Under-21s will come back stronger following their Division Two play-off semi-final defeat at home to Aston Villa on Monday. 

The goalkeeper could not stop a second-half Villa penalty that ended the development squad's hopes of promotion after Swans winger Kenji Gorre netted this seventh of the season to level before the break.

Despite late attempts to equalise, which included Daniel James hitting the bar in the dying seconds, the young Swans fell to a 2-1 defeat at the Liberty Stadium.

And Vickers, who joined the Swans at the start of the season, believes they can take positives from the season as a whole.

"It is disappointing to lose, especially in the semi-final, but it was just not to be this time," he said. 

"It is hard to take the defeat but overall our first season in category one football has been a good one. To finish third in a tough division is an achievement.

"It is unfortunate we could not get to that final and make the next step but have to learn from this experience, take the positives and go again.

"We can definitely come back better and stronger next season. We have shown we can mix it with the best this league has to offer."

Vickers linked up with the Swans from Arsenal in July after a successful pre-season trial with the first team.

The 20-year-old shot stopper helped the development squad to wins over Arsenal, Stoke and Newcastle throughout the season and believes they can take pride from the first year in category one football.

"Once we sit down and reflect as a group at what we have achieved this season we will be proud," he added. 

"It seems a long time ago since I played with the first team on tour in Germany. It has been a season of ups and downs for me personally. I have had a few injuries but overall I am pleased with my progress.

"We will always strive to better ourselves. We will regroup, have a break and go again next year."