Toshack delighted with pre-season progress

Under-18s coach Cameron Toshack praised his players for the application they have shown after a fine start to their pre-season programme.

The young Swans have secured three straight victories over Newport County (2-0), Port Talbot (4-0) and MK Dons (4-1) so far and face a tough test against Chelsea this coming weekend.

And Toshack had nothing but praise for the way the squad has adapted to the demands placed on them during pre-season.

"It's been very pleasing so far," he said. "We have tried to involved the first year scholars as much as possible and it has been a big transition from the environment in which they have come from.

"But everyone in the group has done what has been asked of them. It's been pleasing to get the results, but at this stage it isn't the be all and end all.

"Pre-season is always the toughest period as well, where there is a lot of asked of you both mentally and physically.

"But the group have responded well, we are playing offensive football, creating chances and they deserve a lot of credit."

However, the club's youngsters now face a stern test against Chelsea on Saturday as they step up their preparations for the new season.

Both the Under-16 and Under-18 squads will travel to Chelsea's training base at Cobham to face the reigning FA Youth Cup champions (1pm).

And the Academy coach is relishing the prospect of facing some of the country's elite players in that age group.

"They (Chelsea) Youth Cup champions and the best of the best in their age group," he said. "Chelsea are a category one Academy and that is where we are striving to be. They have magnificent facilities and all of us as individuals, players and staff are relishing the test and it will be a great experience for everyone involved."