Extra motivation spurring Swansea City on, says Matt Grimes

Captain Matt Grimes believes Swansea City have extra motivation as they approach the final nine games of the Championship campaign.

The Swans sit third in the table – six points behind second-placed Watford, with a game in hand – as league action resumes following the international break.

Steve Cooper’s side head to the Midlands on Easter Friday to take on Birmingham City, before hosting Preston at the Liberty three days later.

And Grimes revealed consecutive defeats to Bournemouth and Cardiff City have given the squad added motivation as they enter the business end of the season.

“You have to draw a line under your previous results, but after losing our last two games – the first time we’ve lost consecutive matches this season – the squad is really motivated to win our next match,” said the midfielder.

“We’ve had an opportunity to rest up and recharge the batteries during the international break, and now we’re really focussed on the nine remaining games.

“One thing is for sure, we’ll give our all in the matches we have to play.

“It sounds boring, but the focus will always be on the game in front of us. The next game is the most important.

“Birmingham are a solid team and they carry a threat, but we’ll focus on ourselves and ensure we play the game we want to.”