Swansea City Under-21s Arsenal Cameron Toshack

22nd January

Cameron Toshack insisted Swansea City Under-21s deserved more than just a point following a "very pleasing" performance at Arsenal.
The Swans played out a 0-0 draw at Arsenal Training Centre despite enjoying the better share of chances as Jay Fulton, Adam King and Daniel James all went close to breaking the deadlock of a tightly-fought encounter.
"It was a very pleasing performance against a very well organised opposition," said Toshack. "We were unfortunate in the second-half not to score.
"We had three very good chances to take the lead, which were either well saved or near misses. On another day we could have come away with something.
"But when we create opportunities in front of goal, we have to be clinical. That said, I can't take anything away from our performance today.
"Gary (Richards) and I were pleased with the discipline we showed when not in possession - we kept in control and contained their attack.
 "Overall, we earned a good point, but it could have easily have been more."



Meanwhile, U21s quartet Jay Fulton, Adam King, Josh Sheehan and Oliver McBurnie returned to the side this afternoon following loan spells away from the club, while winger Alex Bray made his first appearance for the Swans - coming off the bench in the second half - since returning from injury following a 15-month lay-off. 
"It was fantastic to see Alex back today after such a long stretch out," added Toshack. "All the boys, including Gary and myself, are really pleased for him.
"We have given him a gradual progression back into the group after he has worked so hard during his recovery. The important thing is that he gets minutes on the pitch now.
"I think the four players returning from their loan spells brought the experience they gained in the Football League back with them.
"The boys returning to the group made a real difference - they gave us that little bit of extra quality.
"When you compare this to some close games we played before Christmas, you can see we have grown as a team in the past few months and there is greater maturity in our performances.
"We will look to continue that progression in the coming weeks."