Toshack targets more PL Cup success
Cameron Toshack says Swansea City Under-23s are targeting another strong run in this season’s Premier League Cup.
The development side have reached the final in each of the last two years – beating Reading 2-0 in 2017 before losing to Aston Villa on penalties in May.
They kick off their 2018-19 campaign away at Oxford United on Thursday (7pm) and Toshack is confident that if they match their previous performance levels, the young Swans can enjoy another good run.
“We’re really pleased with the way our group have applied themselves over the past couple of years,” the under-23s coach said. “It’s great that we’ve managed to make a real mark in this tournament.
“It is an achievement that as an academy we can be very proud of.
“Getting to cup finals is something that very rarely happens for professional footballers. Reaching two in a row certainly gives our young men experience of what it’s like to build some momentum by getting out of a group and coming through knockout fixtures.
“If we can get our current group together and the performance levels are appropriate, I’m sure we can push towards another strong run this term.”
The under-23s travel to Meadow View Park – home of local side Thame United – looking to get off to a winning start in Group E.
Toshack insists the main focus will be the performance of the players but, should they get that right, he is confident the result will follow.
“It’s a game we’re looking forward to and we’ll focus on being as competitive as we can,” he added. “Any time you travel away from home, it always adds a bit of complexity to the fixture.
“The boys will be looking at this competition as an opportunity to progress. It’s all about their individual development and the experience they will get.
“Results often go hand in hand with performances. That is what we are really trying to focus on with our young men.
“Collectively, if we can win five or six of our individual battles on the pitch, we will always stand a very good chance of getting a positive result.”