Declan John | Battle for places is fierce

Declan John knows competition for places is very tough at Swansea City, but hopes he can get his first league action of the season against Reading on Saturday.

The full-back started all three of the Swans Carabao Cup games, and looked lively against Northampton, Cambridge and Watford.

Head coach Steve Cooper has been assessing his options ahead of the clash with the Royals, with Jake Bidwell sidelined by suspension after the club failed to overturn his red card at Bristol City.

It means for the first time this Championship season there will be a new face on the left side of defence, with Bidwell having started all eight games to date.

John was among those name-checked by Cooper as he outlined the choices available to him and the Wales international hopes he has done enough in a battle for game time that has a real edge to it.

“It has been like that from day one, there has been a real edge and intensity about things,” he said.

“I think that has come across in both the league and the cup games.

“The gaffer has made clear we all have to perform, and you could see in midweek at Watford that we did not look like a side with eight changes.

“Of course, everyone wants to play regularly and I am no different.

“I have been waiting for my chance to play, I like to think I have done well in the cup games and I just look forward to the game at the weekend.

“The mood is good, people are chomping at the bit to take their chance.”