'We can win the cup'

2nd April

Matty Blake is confident Swansea City Under-23s have what it takes to defend the Premier League Cup after reaching the quarter-finals of this season’s competition.

Blake played the full 90 minutes at left-back as the young Swans booked their place in the last eight thanks to a 4-2 victory over Bristol City.

Botti Biabi, Kenji Gorre and Dan James were all on target for the hosts at Landore, although they were given a scare towards the end when they conceded twice in the final 10 minutes.

Nevertheless, after setting up a quarter-final showdown with Brighton & Hove Albion, Blake insisted the Swans have the quality to go all the way in this competition for the second year running.

“We dominated 90 per cent of the Bristol City game and there are many more positives to take than negatives,” the 18-year-old said.

“Brighton will be an extra game for us to develop and keep the positives going. It would be great if we could go all the way again.

“We know we’re capable of winning the cup. We know we have the quality in the squad, so I don’t see why we can’t do it.”