Russell Martin urges Swansea City to show bravery in Cherries clash

Russell Martin has urged Swansea City to be brave and bold as they seek to continue their strong end to the season against a Bournemouth side chasing automatic promotion.

The Swans are unbeaten in eight games following their weekend draw against Middlesbrough, with Michael Obafemi netting his 11th goal of the season as it finished 1-1.

They take on a Bournemouth side who are within sight of securing a return to the Premier League as they occupy one of the automatic promotion places with four games still to play.

The Cherries are two points ahead of third-placed Huddersfield, having played two games fewer than the Terriers, and picked up a valuable point at Fulham thanks to a last-gasp Dominic Solanke penalty.

Martin knows the Swans will be underdogs under the lights in SA1, but it is a test he feels his side should be eager to face.

“They scored a huge goal at the weekend which will mean a lot to them because of how late it was and the emotion of it,” said Martin.

“I am sure that will energise them ahead of Tuesday.

“If you look at the squad they have built, the financial power they have – as well as having a manager who has done it (promotion) before then they are a challenge.

“They have players who have experience of playing in the top division and with experience of getting promoted. They are an athletic and powerful team that can win games in different ways.

“They have strength at the top end of the pitch and have conceded the fewest goals in the league, so it’s a big test.

“But it’s a great challenge and one to really look forward to.

“All we ask of the guys is to run as hard as they can for each other and be brave and courageous with the ball. Hopefully that will be the mentality, because if we do that we have a chance.”