No pain, no gain for Fede

Federico Fernandez ended up with a bloodied nose and two stitches during the Monday's victory over Liverpool, but he's happy to take the pain if it results in the Swans' gain.

The Argentinian was busy celebrating Alfie Mawson's 40th-minute strike when team-mate Jordan Ayew joined in by jumping on his back, which led to the centre-back's nose crashing into the goalscorer.

"It hurt at the time, but the pain quickly went away as we were still in the emotions of celebrating the goal. But thanks to Jordan, I ended up with my nose in a mess and a few stitches at half-time," said Fernandez, who captained the Swans during the win.

"It wasn't broken - I've done that before - so I didn't mind. It was the goal that matters - if I get a knock on the nose every time we score in an important victory then I'll take that!"

The victory saw the Swans cut the gap on Newcastle - in 15th - to just three points as Carlos Carvalhal's side continue to improve under their new boss.

The Portuguese has guided the Swans to two wins, a draw and a defeat from his four Premuier League games in charge so far.

Attention now turns to Saturday's FA Cup clash at League Two side Notts County before Arsenal visit the Liberty next Tuesday.

And Fernandez has been hugely encoraged by the squad's recent performances and results since Carvalhal's appointment.

"The result against Liverpool was very important for us - they are a very good team and hadn't lost in 18 games," said Fernandez.

"For us, it gives us more confidence as we have beaten a team that is doing so well. But it was not just the result, because the performances was very good too.

"You can see that everyone is playing for each other, the manager and the club. The season has been difficult, but we showed what we are capable of against Liverpool and also in the previous games under the manager.

"Now we want to continue this - first in the FA Cup and then against Arsenal next week."