Past play-off experience could prove priceless, says Jake Bidwell

Jake Bidwell believes last year’s play-off pain can help Swansea City in their pursuit of a place in the Championship play-off final when they host Barnsley on Saturday.

Steve Cooper’s side take a 1-0 lead into the second leg against the Tykes thanks to Andre Ayew’s fine strike at Oakwell on Tuesday night.

Ayew had given the Swans the same advantage in the first leg of last season’s play-offs, which saw Brentford go on to win 3-2 on aggregate in their last game at Griffin Park.

And Bidwell believes the experience gained from that situation will stand the Swans in good stead when they welcome Barnsley – and the Jack Army – to the Liberty for the second leg that will decide who books their spot in the final at Wembley.

“Only half the job is done, but it gives us great confidence going into Saturday,” said the 28-year-old.

“If you put it in the bigger picture, you don’t celebrate at half-time in a normal game, and that’s where we are at in the play-offs.

“There is still a lot of work to do. We’ll look back on this game and I’m sure we will pick up on things where we can better and sort that for Saturday.

“Everyone can personally draw on their own experience from last year, and hopefully that will help us on Saturday.

“All the lads are looking forward to playing with the fans behind us. I’m sure with the Jack Army behind us on Saturday, it will be a great occasion.”