Matt Grimes | If we want promotion, we have to rise to the challenge
Matt Grimes says Swansea City are ready to rise to the challenge of the Championship play-offs as they aim to secure a return to the Premier League.
The Swans are preparing to welcome Brentford to the Liberty on Sunday for the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final, after securing sixth place in the most dramatic fashion at Reading on Wednesday.
A 4-1 victory – combined with Nottingham Forest’s defeat by the same scoreline against Stoke – saw Steve Cooper's side snatch the final play-off spot on goal difference and set up a two-legged showdown with the Bees.
Although they narrowly missed out on automatic promotion following their stoppage-time defeat to Barnsley on the final day, Grimes is well aware of the threats that Brentford possess.
Thomas Frank's side, who did the double over the Swans earlier in the campaign, were the Championship’s leading scorers with 80 goals.
Ollie Watkins led the way for the Bees with 25 and, along with Said Benrahma and Bryan Mbeumo, comprises one of the most-effective attacking trios in the division.
The Swansea skipper knows he and his team-mates must be at their best on Sunday but, following Wednesday's heroics at the Madejski, insists they will head into the first leg full of confidence and momentum.
“It’s an occasion we are really looking forward to; these are the types of games you want to play in,” said Grimes, who recently made his 100th appearance for the club.
“Obviously, we know Brentford are a very good team. They have been in the hunt for promotion all season; they have some fantastic players and play some very nice football.
“No matter who you play in these games, you’re going to come up against some very good teams and very good players.
“But if you want the ultimate prize, you have to get past these challenges and beat these teams.
“The mood in the camp is brilliant. We’ve been playing very well recently and - playing at home - we’ll try to put our stamp on things.
“I don’t think we could have any more momentum – especially after Wednesday – and we’ll look to take that into the game.”
