Swansea City Under-23s Gary Richards West Ham

Gary Richards wants Swansea City Under-23s to continue their good start to the season when they host West Ham at the Liberty Stadium tonight (7pm).

The development squad are unbeaten in Premier League 2 (Division 2) after wins over West Brom and Wolves.

Wales defender Neil Taylor will feature once again for the young Swans as he continues to make a return to match fitness.

Meanwhile, striker Oliver McBurnie, who netted twice on his first-team debut in the EFL Cup win over Peterborough United, is out of contention as he will be part of the first-team squad travelling to Leicester.

And following an impressive start to the season, Richards has urged the young Swans to continue their winning momentum.

"We want the character we showed against Wolves on Monday to continue," he said. 

"To score four goals away from home and not be at our best is encouraging. We aim to create as many chances in front of goal and be as clinical with our finishing as possible.

"It is important to us that we continue this run and build on our first two games. Two games in the space of a week gives us a chance to build momentum.

"West Ham are a good academy side. We are under no illusions we will have a real tough test tonight and have to be at our best to get something from the game."

Tonight's fixture is the first Premier League Two game of the season to be held at the Liberty Stadium.

Richards insists it will be a chance for Swans fans to watch the next generation of emerging talent the club is producing.

"It's great to play this game in front of our fans at the Liberty Stadium," he added. "It is also a great opportunity for Swans fans to see the next generation of emerging stars at the club.

"Our young players are playing well and getting better each game. Oliver McBurnie has shown in recent weeks what he can do - I believe we have more players who could be next in line."

Tickets for the game at the Liberty Stadium are still available priced at £1 (season ticket holders & children U16) and £3 for adults. For full details CLICK HERE.

SWANS U23s SQUAD (from): Gregor Zabret, Lewis Thomas, Aaron Lewis, Keston Davies, Neil Taylor (OA), Tyler Reid, Tom Plezier, Joe Rodon, Tom Holland, Jack Evans, Tom Dyson, Ryan Blair, George Byers, Botti Bia Bi, Alex Bray, Owain Jones, Alex Samuel, Jordan Garrick, Daniel James.

*(OA) - Overage Player

Note: Due to Premier League rights restrictions, we are unable to stream U23 games live via our YouTube channel swanstv.com