Harry Darling | We want to keep building

Harry Darling hopes Swansea City can continue to build on performances as they prepare to face Millwall on Saturday afternoon (3pm).

The Swans picked up their first league win last time out, keeping a clean sheet as they saw off Sheffield Wednesday 3-0, with Darling playing most of the game after coming on as a first-half sub for the injured Nathan Wood.

The 24-year-old now hopes the Swans can utilise the hard work and the positivity put into training as a springboard, as they play their first of three fixtures within eight days at the Den.

"Naturally the mood has been better this week after a win, but we always say not to get too down when we lose, we need to stay at a level head, but it’s been a good week of training and we’re looking forward to Saturday," he said.

"Every Championship match is tough, but we’ll go there with a game plan and hopefully put in a performance.

"It’s been a tough start, we haven’t got the results we wanted.

"Every week we’re building a style of play, and hopefully everyone can see that. We all have responsibilities on the ball, it’s just about building relationships in the team.

"In training, we can see that it’s getting better and better."

The Swans signed three defenders - Bashir Humphreys, Kristian Perdersen and Josh Tymon - on deadline day meaning competition for places is high.

But Darling believes that is a healthy position for the squad to be in and acknowledges that the fight for regular starting roles can only continue to help push himself and his teammates on going forward.

"The manager has asked me to express myself really; be a defender first and foremost and then let the rest of the game come with it," he added. 

"There’s healthy competition for us defenders, and that can only make us better.

"We can push ourselves and each other on to try to take that spot and keep the shirt.

"I’m finding my feet still, but I’ve had a year to get used to the league and I want to keep my place in the team."