Harries proud as U23s soar

Skipper Cian Harries has spoken of his pride as Swansea City Under-23s eye a surprise title push.

The Swans’ development side have surged into contention to come out on top in Premier League 2 Division One having lost just one of their last 11 games in the competition.

Last Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium lifted the young Swans up to third in the table, just two points off top spot.

The under-23s have only lost once since Harries took over the captain’s armband from Joe Rodon after he joined Cheltenham Town on loan in January.

“I am really proud to lead the team,” Harries said. “It has been great to help the team to build a good record in the league.

“We have plenty of leaders on the pitch and players with lots of experience. I think people lead us in different ways and as a team we have spurred each other on to get results.

“It is also great to help younger players develop. We had Joe Lewis in the team on Sunday who played a good game. Everyone has been in that position.

“When I was breaking into the first team at Coventry you need players around you to help you settle in on and off the pitch.

“I think it is important for me and everyone else to make them feel part of it and ensure their standards stay high.”

Defender Harries is one of five Swans players on international duty with Wales’ under-21s, who face Bosnia and Herzegovina this week.

When he returns to his club, the Swans continue their Premier League Cup title defence against Bristol City before two crucial league games against Arsenal and Sunderland that will have a big bearing on the Premier League 2 title race.

“I hate the cliche, but we have to take each game as it comes,” Harried continued.

“Sunday’s win takes us three points closer to the top, so we have to give it a real go and kick on again. With two league games left it is down to us as players to see how far we can go.

“We need to continue to up our performance levels even more for our final games of the season.

“Each of them means something for us. We will reflect on Sunday’s win and then go again and look to improve. We have a cup to defend and a chance to challenge for the title.”

Leicester currently lead the Division One table on 36 points, while second-placed Arsenal have 35, the Swans have 34 and fourth-place Liverpool are on 33.

The Swans and Leicester both have two leagues remaining, while Arsenal and Liverpool have three – one of which is against each other.