Swansea City youth coach Cameron Toshack hails cup win
7th December
Coach Cameron Toshack expressed his pride with Swansea City Under-21s' performance after they knocked Norwich City out of the Checkatrade Trophy.
Oli McBurnie's header proved the difference at Carrow Road as the young Swans saw off an experienced Canaries outfit to book their place in the third round of the competition.
The visitors faced a Norwich academy side which included six senior professionals along with Swiss international defender Timm Klose in their starting XI.
Oli McBurnie's header proved the difference at Carrow Road as the young Swans saw off an experienced Canaries outfit to book their place in the third round of the competition.
The visitors faced a Norwich academy side which included six senior professionals along with Swiss international defender Timm Klose in their starting XI.
But the young Swans stood up well to the test against a Norwich side that had seen Ben Godfrey dismissed in the first half for a professional foul.
"It was a hard-fought win - we knew it was going to be difficult against a very strong side," said Toshack.
"It was a hard-fought win - we knew it was going to be difficult against a very strong side," said Toshack.
"Them going down to ten men only made things harder, but we battled and can be really proud of what our side achieved against an experienced Norwich team with six senior players involved.
"If our young players want to compete at the highest level they have to be tested against professionals who have played at a high level.
"The victory is a testament to the hard work and effort this team, players and staff, have put in this season. They have done the club proud."
Victory sees the young Swans go into the hat for the third-round draw where they could face EFL sides Yeovil Town, Swindon Town or Oxford United.
And Toshack admits he would like to see the development side tested again another strong side in the next round.
"No doubt, we would like to face a team from the EFL," added the development coach. "They would bring another tough challenge, but that will only help test our players.
"The experience of this competition so far has been fantastic for us and it proves young talent can compete against senior opposition.
"We are delighted to be in the hat for the next round of the competition. We can be very proud of what this group of young men have achieved so far in league and cups, but we must keep striving to progress further."
