Toshack hails U23s' character

26th October

Cameron Toshack was pleased with the character Swansea City Under-23s showed in their 1-1 draw with Arsenal in Premier League 2.

The young Swans got another point on the board in the top flight of development football as the spoils were shared at Landore.

Brandon Cooper put them in front late in the first half, before Charlie Gilmour’s deflected strike rescued a draw for the young Gunners 12 minutes from time.

Nevertheless, with the draw coming off the back of an impressive second-half performance against West Ham United last weekend, Toshack praised the spirit of his players.

“It was a good game of football,” the under-23s coach said. “I think we were slightly better in the first half and, had we taken a couple more chances, we’d have made things slightly easier for ourselves in the second.

“We know the quality of players they have at their disposal and they showed that in the second half. However, they only got a deflected goal despite all their territory and possession.

“Just like it did at West Ham, the boys’ character shone through because they kept going and made sure they got at least a point out of the game, which we’re really pleased with.”

Graham Potter and his coaching staff were among the spectators at Landore on Friday evening, and Toshack believes that will only inspire the Swans' development side as they aim to progress into senior football.

“It’s great for our young men to know that the guys who work in the first-team environment have an active interest and genuinely want to see them do well,” he added.

“The guys know that, if they do well, they can go and train with the first team and who knows what happens next?”