Russell Martin | This is a big game at an important moment for us

Russell Martin has urged Swansea City to show the character to bounce back from recent disappointments and embrace the challenge of keeping themselves in the play-off hunt when they host Blackpool tonight (7.45pm).

The Swans host the Seasiders looking to respond from defeats to Birmingham and Sheffield United, and narrow a seven-point gap to the top six with a third of the campaign to go.

Three of Swansea’s next four games are on home turf, and Martin has told his squad this contest against the relegation-threatened visitors could be the start of an important period in determining what their final weeks of the campaign will look like.

“It’s a big game for us,” said the Swansea head coach.

“Blackpool are fighting for their lives, they picked up a point at the weekend.

“We are at home, we need to bounce back. Any game after two defeats is a big game, whatever situation you are in.

“It probably feels bigger than maybe it is because of everything that has gone on over the last couple of weeks.

“We now need to show character and more courage than we did after conceding at Sheffield United on the weekend.

“We also have to cut out the silly moments because at the moment teams are not having to work hard enough to score goals against us.

“We have an extremely young squad, and that is where we are at. We have to keep building, keep trying to show courage and it’s a moment for us to really stand up and show what we are about.

“It’s a big month in terms of what the season will end up looking like, so we have to shake off the disappointment we have because we have an opportunity to build some momentum and put some points on the board ahead of the last 10 games.

“We either embrace that challenge and get excited about it or the season will meander into something we do not want.

“We have to make sure we stay in the hunt and keep trying to improve and build.”