Toshack expects better from young Swans

Cameron Toshack admits he expects better of Swansea City Under-23s following their defeat at Reading on Saturday.

The young Swans produced a below-par display as they went down 4-1 at Hogwood Park in their final game of pre-season.

Toshack has urged his players do bounce back quickly ahead of the new Premier League 2 season, which kicks off on August 13 away at Leicester City.

“Since Gary (Richards) and I have been with the under-23s, that was one of our most disappointing performances we’ve seen with regards to application,” he said.

“Overall, the group have done well collectively during pre-season but against Reading, they were nowhere near the standards and expectations that we have.

“We take all the plaudits when it goes well but, when it doesn’t, the players need to take our feedback on board and put it right.

“Moving forward, we hope to see a reaction because we have important league games coming up against the likes of Leicester, Everton and Chelsea, as well as difficult matches in the Checkatrade Trophy.

“Our young men have to rise to these challenges and show how good they are. If they deliver what they delivered on Saturday, it’s going to be very difficult for them.”

Despite the Reading disappointment, Toshack is confident the development side will dust themselves down ready to face Leicester at the King Power Stadium next week.

“We’re looking forward to getting back on the training pitch this week and putting things right," he added.

“The boys have worked hard during pre-season and we’re hopeful of getting a good lead-in to the Leicester game and putting in a good performance there.”

Photo by Nigel Smith.