Leon rallies Swans

Leon Britton has rallied Swansea City ahead of Saturday’s key game against Crystal Palace by insisting they can stay in the Premier League.

Britton has been named caretaker manager for the Palace game following the departure of Paul Clement.

And while he acknowledges the Swans have endured a difficult season, Britton is adamant they can turn things around.

“People have written us off, that’s natural when you are bottom of the league,” the fans’ favourite said.

“But they did just the same last year and we produced a brilliant second half of the season to stay up.

“We have got to use that experience and take belief from that.

“I believe with the squad of players we have, we can get out of the situation we are in.”

The Swans are currently bottom of the Premier League having won only one of their last 10 top-flight games.

They are four points adrift of the safety mark ahead of the Palace clash.

And while he has expressed his sorrow over Clement’s exit, Britton hopes a change in the dugout could help to inspire the Swans this weekend.

“I am disappointed that Paul has left the football club,” Britton added.

“We have to thank him for all his efforts and the work he has done.

“He came in at a very difficult time last year and managed to keep us up.

“This year it hasn’t really worked out and we all know football is a results-based business. When you don’t get results, the manager is the one who goes.

“But when a manager goes, the players understand that they haven’t performed to the level they should have.

“Without doubt, all the players have to take responsibility when a manager goes because it’s a joint effort.

“But there’s no time to dwell on things. We have a really important game to focus on now and I hope the change will give us a boost, which is often the way.”

While the Swans are struggling for form, Palace have surged up the table in recent weeks having put together a seven-game unbeaten run.

Nevertheless, Britton hopes he can help inspire only a fourth Swans victory of the campaign.

“That’s one of the reasons I agreed to take this role – because I believe I can have an effect on the team in the immediate future,” he said.

“I am sure the fans will be behind the team on Saturday and hopefully I can help lift the players. We have to make sure we’re in the right frame of mind and hopefully that will lead to a result.”