Williams hails defensive display

The Swans battled to a hard-fought 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park to keep their third clean sheet in as many games.

Alan Curtis' side restricted their opponents to few chances throughout the 90 minutes, with Palace's only real sight on goal coming through striker Patrick Bamford, who was denied by Lukasz Fabianski in the second half.

The Swans had an opportunity of their own to snatch all three points when Gylfi Sigurdsson's curling free-kick was turned around the post by Wayne Hennessey, but Williams praised Curtis' men for the manner in which they dug in to keep out their in-form opponents.

"We kept another clean sheet, which is really pleasing, as well as another point towards where we want to be," said the Swans skipper.

"I think it was our best defensive display of the season. We had to defend a lot of crosses and, as a unit, the desire and heart was there for everyone to see.

"We could do better offensively when we are on the ball, but sometimes when you're in the situation that we are in - and after a game two days ago - this is what is required.

"The team did a great job defensively today, from the goalkeeper right up to the top. We still have a lot more work to do, but the clean sheet always gives us a chance."

Meanwhile, Williams praised Swansea's squad effort after they made eight changes to the side that beat West Brom 1-0 on Boxing Day. 

"Credit needs to go to the players coming into the team today," added Williams. "They left everything on the pitch. 

"You could see Jordi when he came off that he was completely finished, and I thought Matty Grimes and Mo Barrow had good games too.

"Confidence is slowly coming back, and you can only get confidence by performing well. You can see the guys are trying to play out of tight situations, which they maybe wouldn't have done earlier this season."