Michael Duff | We want to be competitive in this league

Michael Duff is relishing the challenge of leading Swansea City into what he expects to be a typically competitive Championship season.

The Swans head coach is preparing for his first campaign in charge, which will get under way with Saturday’s opening league fixture against Birmingham City at the Swansea.com Stadium.

While the pundits may be making their pre-season predictions, Duff’s main focus is on ensuring the Swans are a competitive proposition and difficult opponent.

He’s happy to leave the talking to others.

“We want to be competitive, I am not a big one for making predictions. Everyone will be saying the same thing at the start of the season, let’s try and win the first couple of games, and then see where are after 10 games,” he said.

“That’s not me being negative, I think this is going to be the most competitive Championship season for a long time.

“If you look at the league, some big teams have come into it, who are well-supported financially.

“It is going to be very competitive, and that is what we want to be. We want to work week to week, win every half of football and see where we end up.

“That’s just the way I work. I don’t really like making predictions. I don’t want to talk about it, you just do it.”

Duff also confirmed that Josh Ginnelly and Joe Allen are continuing to progress after getting some minutes under their belts at Reading last weekend, but confirmed Liam Walsh is set to be absent for a number of weeks with a calf problem.

“Josh (Ginnelly) has got a few minutes but had not really done any training since being here,” he added.

“Joe (Allen) is ahead of Josh in terms of fitness, so that is an important one for us on and off the pitch with his experience and leadership qualities.

“Walshy has broken down and we have not seen him. He had a calf problem, and it will be four or five weeks before we see him. It’s disappointing for him, but until he is ready, he is with the medics.”