Swansea City Gary Richards
5th December
Coach Cameron Toshack has warned Swansea City's youngsters they will face a tougher test against Norwich City in the second round of the Checkatrade Trophy at Carrow Road on Tuesday (7pm).
The sides meet for the second time in eight days following last week's 2-0 league victory in East Anglia, which saw the under-23s strengthen their lead at the top of the division 2 table.
Despite a convincing win against the young Canaries in Premier League 2 last week, Toshack knows the Checkatrade Trophy will offer a different test against a Norwich side that could include former Swansea City striker Nelson Oliveira.
"Knockout football provides a much sterner test for our side this week," the development coach said. "Both teams are likely to include players with more experience in what will be a very different encounter compared to the league game last week.
"Norwich have been very strong in the group stages of this competition, and have included a number of players with first-team experience.
"We welcome a strong test against a good academy side but we know this will definitely be one of our toughest games this season."
The Canaries finished top of their group in round one, sweeping aside opposition from League 1 and 2, including a 6-1 win at Peterborough United.
In comparison the young Swans finished second in Group B South with impressive victories over Newport County and Plymouth Argyle to reach the knockout stage.
"We knew this competition would provide a different challenge," added Toshack. "Playing in this competition only helps our players develop.
"Our team relishes the opportunity to play in front of a stadium crowd - it will give the game a bit of extra spice.
"We hope to be in a position to drop in a few players with first-team experience, but like in previous rounds this will be another opportunity for our young players to shine.
"Myself and Gary (Richards) have been very impressed with what we have seen from our players in the competition so far this season. They have been a real credit to this football club."
