Swansea City Under-23s Gary Richards

Gary Richards insists Swansea City Academy side will go into Tuesday's Checkatrade Trophy tie against AFC Wimbledon full of confidence following an unbeaten start in Premier League Two.

Goals from Owain Jones and Botti Biabi at the Liberty Stadium on Friday night saw the young Swans record a convincing 2-0 victory over West Ham to send the Swans top of their division.

The academy side now turn their attention to the Checkatrade Trophy where they face the League One side in Group B South at Kingsmeadow.

Richards expects the restructured competition to be a good test for the young Swans players against Football League opposition.

"It will be a different challenge and we don't yet know what the competition will offer," he continued. "But it is something the players and staff are looking forward to."

"We could not go into Tuesday's game with any more confidence following the results we have gained in the last few weeks.

"We have made a good start in Premier League 2 and are pleased with the results we have got so far this season against West Brom, Wolves and West Ham. We hope we can continue our good run on Tuesday against Wimbledon.

"Playing against Football League opposition will be a new test for our young players and can only help develop them further. We can't be complacent, Tuesday's game will be a fresh challenge and one we must make the most of." 

The new-look competition, formerly known as the Football League or Johnstone's Paint Trophy, includes 16 invited Category One academy clubs to play alongside teams from League's One and Two.

The Swans, who were drawn in Group B South, will face League Two sides Newport County and Plymouth Argyle as well League One side AFC Wimbledon.