Flynn Downes | Final run-in a chance to set down a marker for next year

Flynn Downes has urged Swansea City to set down a marker for next season by performing strongly against four promotion hopefuls over the closing weeks of this campaign.

After a transitional season, which is approaching its conclusion with Russell Martin’s side in fine form, the Swans face four sides all with aspirations to be playing Premier League football next term.

That starts with the welcome of play-off chasing Middlesbrough to the Swansea.com Stadium on Saturday, before games against Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Queens Park Rangers bring down the curtain on 2021-22.

Midfielder Downes is hopeful that the last few games of the campaign can serve as a statement of intent for the future.

“I am very happy (with how things have gone this season). Obviously, we would have loved to get into the play-offs and get promoted, but it is a year of transition,” he said.

“In the last few games, you can really see that is now starting to really kick in.

“The boys have been putting in really good performances, so that is exciting for next year.

“Early doors we were playing some good stuff, but we just couldn’t find the end product and it felt like something was missing. 

“Now though, we are starting to do it all. We are keeping alot of clean sheets, scoring alot of goals now, and we are dominating the ball pretty much every game.

“It is really enjoyable to play in and it has really clicked lately.

“We can build a bit of momentum going into next year. I think we can set a marker for the future over these final games.

“In these last four games, we must go out there, I know other teams have got more to play for, but we just have to go out there and try and put a marker down for next year.”

Downes recently returned to fitness after a knee injury, and started Monday’s draw at Reading.

And the 23-year-old is feeling good ahead of the final run-in.

Downes added: “I’m fine. I had a little niggle in the Cardiff game and then I had a tiny setback.

“I did try to push it a bit too early, but it is fine now, and I feel good and am looking forward to Saturday.”