'Be ready for a battle'

Mike van der Hoorn insists the Swans will have to show their battling qualities if they are to register a first Premier League victory at Stoke City.

Paul Clement’s side hope to end a run of six games without a win when they visit the bet365 Stadium on Saturday.

Stoke has not proved a happy hunting ground for the Swans in recent years, with just two points picked up from six top-flight meetings in the Potteries.

Stoke sit four points above the Swans, though Mark Hughes’ side are without a win in their last four matches.

And van der Hoorn feels the Swans will need to roll their sleeves up and dig deep in order to seal a second away win of the campaign.

“Stoke have, like us, struggled recently with results,” said the centre-back. “We are getting better and we go there needing something from the game.

“It’s always difficult against them, especially when they are at home with a tough crowd.

“It will be a tough game, but we are looking forward to it.”

The 25-year-old made his ninth appearance of the season in the midweek defeat at Chelsea.

With Federico Fernandez missing the Blues test and the Stoke clash due to personal reasons, van der Hoorn is hoping to make the most of his opportunity to impress Clement.

“This season, especially, I feel I am ready to play,” said van der Hoorn, who joined the Swans from Ajax in July 2016.

“I hope I have shown it to the gaffer and I can get a regular spot in the team.”