Wayne Routledge | We know what the derby is all about

Wayne Routledge says Swansea City are determined to become history makers and end a 109-year wait for a derby double over Cardiff City.

Neither team have managed to claim a league double over their rivals since their first meeting in 1912 – a game that ended 1-1.

Steve Cooper’s team went close last term, only to see a 1-0 win at the Liberty followed by a 0-0 draw in Cardiff.

But, having sealed a 2-0 triumph at the same venue earlier in the season thanks to a Jamal Lowe brace, the Swans could end the long wait for a derby double this weekend.

And Routledge, who is set to be involved in his seventh derby, is all too aware of what is at stake.

“Any time you have a chance to make a bit of history, it means heck of a lot,” said the 36-year-old, who opened the scoring in the 3-0 win over Cardiff in 2014.

“When you are younger and in the moment, perhaps you don’t realise it so much. But this group of players know what it would mean to the club, the fans and the city.

“I’m someone who doesn’t tend to look back too much, but, to be honest, last season’s game at their place is one I still look back on as a missed opportunity.

“I feel I could have won the game. Connor (Roberts) put in a long throw and a defender got a touch to it. The ball bounced towards me and I was about 10 yards out, but I put it over the bar - I should have scored.

“I do look back at that game and think it could have created history. The derby double would have been done and we could have moved on from it.

“But the focus is firmly on Saturday, and we will concentrate on ourselves and be ready to play our game.”

The Swans go into the derby on the back of three consecutive away trips, which produced a draw, victory and defeat at Blackburn, Luton and Bournemouth.

The busy schedule has proved relentless due to the effects of Covid-19, with the usual number of games crammed into a campaign that is a month shorter than has typically been the case.

But Routledge hopes his experience of previous derbies can help in the build up to the game.

“Derby week is a different week, that’s for sure,” Routledge added.

“This year, with the pandemic, it is slightly different but it doesn’t take the gloss off derby day.

“It’s consuming and draining, and you can’t get away from it. The media are all over it, social media is buzzing, but you have to maintain your focus and prepare yourself properly.

“I’ve had my fair share of it now, and I’ll help my team-mates in any way possible in dealing with what comes our way in the build-up to the game.”