Michael Duff | That was a professional performance

Michael Duff praised a professional performance from his Swansea City side as they beat Northampton Town 3-0 to advance to the second round of the Carabao Cup.

A brace from Joel Piroe, plus a stunning late effort from substitute Josh Ginnelly on his Swans debut saw the home side secure a comfortable win at the Swansea.com Stadium.

The likes of Ollie Cooper, Joe Allen and Liam Cullen also caught the eye on what was a positive night for head coach Duff.

And the Swans boss was pleased by the application his side showed.

“It was a professional performance, which is what we asked for,” said Duff.

“I am a firm believer that footballers should not have to get up for games, it should just be a reaction to what they do every day.

“I thought we were disciplined, I thought we competed really well, and we ran hard.

“Ultimately that gives you the glue to hold a performance together, and then you can show your superiority with some of the football and the chances we created.

“But you have got to do that first bit first, if you don’t do that you have got no chance, no matter how good you are.

“There were lots of positives within the performance, they are a big side, we knew they would be a threat at set plays, but I thought we kept them at arm’s length, really well and that was another positive.

“We cut them open numerous times, the first goal comes from a long ball, and we want to have that mix in our game so that teams cannot come on a full court press all the time because we can offer that threat in behind.

“There was some really good football within the performance.”