Toshack: There's no hiding place

26th February

Cameron Toshack reckons it is important Swansea City Under-23s do not walk away from their crucial Premier League Cup meeting with Burnley with any regrets today (2pm).

The young Swans, who lifted the trophy last season, must take maximum points at Tameside Stadium in order to continue their title defence by advancing to the knockout stages of the competition.

Burnley were 2-0 winners in the reverse fixture at Fairwood last month, and Toshack has urged his players to respond to that result by rising to the occasion when it matters most.

“It’s important that we don’t leave the match with any regrets,” he said. “There’s no hiding place. The players know what they have to do and have prepared very well this week. 

“Burnley certainly proved to be difficult opponents when we played them at home and we won’t be taking them lightly.

“The players have proven time and time again that they can hurt teams. A lot of it comes down to their game management and maturity.

“You can’t just rely on your patterns of play and the positivity when you have the ball. You also have to do the harder stuff out of possession like winning tackles and personal battles. Hopefully, the performance will then shine through.”

Toshack is confident the Swans have what it takes to get the job done, having already demonstrated their big-match mentality by beating the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City in Premier League 2 this season.

And he believes the clash with Burnley will provide another huge test of their credentials, with a place in the last 16 of the Premier League Cup at stake.

“We’re really proud of the way that the players have played, particularly in the league,” he added.

“It’s been a very big step for them from where they were last year. They are competing against good teams on a regular basis. They’ve proven that they can do that and match quality players.

“You have to earn the right to play against these teams, especially in cup competitions where you have to win the game. 

“It’s a great test for our youngsters. The whole process of going away, travelling the day before and concentrating on what’s needed from them all goes towards their development.”