Routledge: Swans seeking gold dust
30th January
Wayne Routledge insists the Swans are in the hunt for a sprinkle of "gold dust" when they host Southampton at the Liberty on Tuesday (7.45pm).
Paul Clement's side go into the game buoyed by their fine 3-2 win over Liverpool last time out, which was the Swans' first top-flight victory at Anfield.
It was a result that sent them out of the relegation zone - two points above Crystal Palace - ahead of the Saints' visit to SA1.
And Routledge feels a consecutive victory to back up their result on Merseyside will provide the squad with a massive boost.
"It is going to be a really tough game," said the winger.
"They are a very good all-round team, and despite them losing Jose Fonte to West Ham recently while Virgil Van Dijk is out injured, they have players like Maya Yoshida and Jack Stephens who have filled in solidly.
"But we showed at Anfield what we are about. We are moving in the right direction, and the head coach is getting his message through to us.
"Victory over Liverpool was amazing, but now we have to do it again in terms of performance and result on Tuesday night.
"We know back-to-back wins in the Premier League are gold dust, so we must make the most of playing at home in front of our fans to help pull ourselves up the table."
Routledge, who has now played over 200 games for the Swans since arriving from Newcastle in 2011, penned a new contract at the Liberty last week which took take his service to the club to nine years if he triggers a clause.
And the 32-year-old is now looking forward to taking on further responsibilities in Clement's squad.
"I realise at this stage of my career it is about what I can do for the younger players at the club, as well as what I can contribute to the team," he added.
"I can pass on my experience to them, just like Leon (Britton) does.
"It is not a role I am familiar with, but with the length of time I've been here I think it's now part of my responsibility and I look forward to that."
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