Jay Fulton | We have a real togetherness as a group

Jay Fulton believes the spirit and togetherness in the Swansea City squad has played a big part in helping the team pick up points in seven of their last nine games.

The Swans had a difficult start to the season, but have bounced back to secure some a run of positive results at home and on the road, most recently showing a spirited resilience to secure a point against Sunderland with just 10 men last time out.

Midfielder Fulton was introduced at half-time in that game with competition for places, particularly in midfield, high, and will be hoping to get another opportunity with Charlie Patino suspended for Saturday's trip to Ipswich.

And the Scot feels that competition, and the tight-knit nature of the group, has been a big factor in an encouraging recent run.

“The way we defended against Sunderland just shows the togetherness of everyone, and at the end of the game it felt like the fans really appreciated the effort we’d shown on the pitch,” said Fulton.

“The togetherness of the team is good. A few of us have been here for a good while and the new boys have settled in well.

“Right now, it’s about us trying to get performances on the pitch. From recent games, I feel like we’re building a winning mentality.

“The word togetherness keeps coming up, but to get through that tough spell and now be performing the way we are is testament to that.

“It’s important to have competition for places and in training. There are a lot players pushing to get in the team and players performing well who are in the team.

“There will be times when you’re in the team and out of the team. It’s just about you can affect things from that position.

“Everyone is fighting for a place in the team, and that can only help us.”

The Swans have won their past three away matches, but face their toughest challenge on the road so far when they travel to Portman Road to face the side currently second in the table.

The Tractor Boys have lost just once at home in the league – a 4-3 defeat to Leeds United – winning the other seven.

“Ipswich have had a great start,” Fulton added.

“They have a good front line, a lot of their players play possession-based football and they’ve got good togetherness.

“It’ll be a tough game and the atmosphere will be good, but we’ll take positives from last weekend and we’ll try to put our stamp on the match.”