Potter to 'freshen the brains and bodies'

Graham Potter believes the international break is a perfect time to prepare his players for the heavy demands of the festive football calendar.

The Swans sit just two points outside of the play-offs in the Championship after 17 games, with victory at Bolton last weekend ensuring Potter’s side went into the break on a winning note.

Eight of his senior squad are currently away with their national teams, with Daniel James, Connor Roberts (both Wales), Kristoffer Nordfeldt, Martin Olsson (both Sweden), Oli McBurnie (Scotland), Jefferson Montero (Ecuador), Cameron Carter-Vickers (USA) and Bersant Celina (Kosovo) all in action this week.

The Swans face back-to-back home games against Norwich City and West Brom and then a trip to Derby County within the space of a week when the Championship returns, while they will play eight matches in total for the remainder of 2018.

It is destined to be a packed festive schedule, with big demands on his playing squad.

Potter, who has used 27 players in the league campaign so far, will give his squad an opportunity to rest and recharge over the next few days before tackling the heavy schedule.

“It’s nice to have a winning feeling going into the break,” said Potter.

“Now we need to use this time to freshen the brains and bodies in order to prepare for a big winter.

“There will be no international break until March so it’s important that we get that freshness into the players and prepare for a big week.”