'We're determined to respond'

George Byers says Swansea City will be driven by a desire to make amends for what happened at Stoke as they look to end Middlesbrough’s 100 per cent home record at the Riverside on Saturday (3pm).

The midfielder made his league debut for the Swans in Tuesday’s contentious defeat at the bet365 Stadium.

Byers, who signed a new two-year contract in the summer, hopes to be involved once again this weekend with fellow midfielders Bersant Celina and Leroy Fer ruled out through injury.

And Byers reckons the Stoke loss has made the Swans more determined to land a positive result on Teesside, where Boro have been in formidable form so far this season.

“We felt we deserved more from Tuesday’s game,” Byers said.

“But we are focused on the positives and will take them into this weekend.

“Stoke has made us more determined to deliver on Saturday. We want to put things right straightaway and get another win on the board.

“We know Middlesbrough are a tough team and that they have done very well at home, but no-one is unbeatable. If we stick to our game-plan and play the way we know we can play, we will create chances and get goals."

The Swans have taken seven points from a possible 12 on the road this season, which is the second best away record in the Championship.

But they will face a stern examination against a Boro side who have won four out of four on their own patch in the Championship so far this term.

Tony Pulis's team are yet to concede at home in the league, having seen off Sheffield United (3-0), Birmingham (1-0), West Brom (1-0) and Bolton (2-0). 

“It would mean everything for us to get a win this weekend," Byers added.

"We want to bounce back from our first away defeat. We were disappointed and we want to put things right by putting a dent in Middlesbrough’s home record.

“All the players are pushing each other for a starting place which makes us stronger. We will be going into Saturday’s game full of confidence and ready for that test.”