Pre-season crucial, says Ben

Ben Davies highlighted the importance of pre-season as the Swans prepare for their first full day in Holland.

Michael Laudrup's side will play four games on their 10-day tour, including friendlies against ADO Den Haag and NEC Breda.

The trip will provide the squad with an opportunity to get some training and matches under their belt as they prepare for the start of another Barclays Premier League campaign.

And Davies believes the key to a good start will begin on the training ground following the summer break.

"It's great to be back," he said. "It's always nice to see the lads again after the summer break and once we've discussed what everyone has been up to it is time to get down to work.

"Pre-season is a crucial part of the season because we want to hit the ground running when the Premier League campaign kicks off."

This time last year the squad flew stateside on a tour of the United States - a trip that gave Davies his first taste of senior action.

Following that, the young defender went on to make his Premier League and international debut in what was a remarkable maiden season for the boyhood Swans fan.

And with a number of new faces in the Swans squad, the Welshman believes the tour of Holland is a great chance for everyone to click ahead of the new season.

"The trip will be good for us," he said. "The tour of America last year was very beneficial, particularly for myself.

"It's a great opportunity for the new signings to get to know the rest of the lads and get bedded into the squad.

"We will head out there, put in a lot of hard work, play some games and come back in good shape for the rest of pre-season."

The Swans begin the new season with a home clash against reigning champions Manchester United.

And following a ninth-placed finish last term and the Capital One Cup triumph, Davies believes the squad can be positive once again come August.

"It's always going to be difficult to top last season. It was just an incredible campaign for everyone involved at the club," he said.

"But we have got a good group of players here and we will be aiming to have another good season, both domestically and in the Europa League."

Keep your eyes peeled to the official website throughout the Swans' 10-day tour as we bring you all the news, match reports, photos and videos from the Netherlands.