Routledge: Key period ahead

Wayne Routledge believes the Swans are geared up for a hectic festive fixture schedule as they look to return to winning ways against his former club Newcastle on Wednesday.
Michael Laudrup's side went down 3-0 at Manchester City as they kicked off December on a losing note despite enjoying the majority of possession at the Etihad Stadium.
Now the Swans face a home double-header as Newcastle arrive in SA1 on Wednesday before Hull visit the Liberty next Monday.
It marks the start of a busy period for the Swans, with five fixtures set to follow the upcoming home games which also includes a trip to Swiss side St Gallen in the Europa League.
And Routledge, who helped Newcastle back into the Barclays Premier League by winning the Championship in 2010, feels it is a time when his team-mates will need to step up and take their opportunities.
"Every game across this Christmas period is going to be important for us," said the winger. "It is a hectic schedule anyway, even with the European game in Switzerland.
"It shows just how important it is to have a good squad, especially having players that are capable of coming in and doing a good job.
"Everyone is going to get a chance and it is up to us to put in the performances in order to pick up the right results.
"We need to pick up points where we can and the more we can do that the better."
Having spent a year-and-a-half at St James' Park, Routledge is well aware of what to expect from a Newcastle side that is brimming with confidence after four straight league wins.
Alan Pardew's side are the form team in the division, with wins at Spurs and at home to Chelsea particular highlights for the Toon Army.
And Routledge insists the Swans will need to be at their best if they are to get the result they are hoping will kickstart a successful month.
"When they put it together they are capable of beating anyone," said the 28-year-old. "You only have to look at their recent results to see that.
"But we are the home team and it's up to us to take the game to them and hopefully get a positive result."

You can read the full, in-depth interview with Wayne in Wednesday night's edition of Jack Magazine - our matchday programme.
Also included in the 76-page edition, Nathan Dyer is the latest player to go Under the Spotlight while former defender Dave Rushbury remembers a famous win over Newcastle in Memory Match.
We have the full info on our Crossbar Challenge with a difference, plus our Swansea City Years feature concentrates on the 1924-25 season.

Jack Magazine is available around the ground and onlinealong with Slee Stores in Plasmarl, Coggers on Wind Street and Browns Newsagent in Landore.