Russell Martin | We have to lift ourselves and be better

Head coach Russell Martin has warned Swansea City they have to lift themselves quickly ahead of Sunday’s Swansea.com Stadium clash with Bristol City.

The Swans head into the clash with the Robins on the back of a poor performance in the 3-0 defeat at Stoke in midweek.

Head coach Martin admitted that display had been well below the levels required, with a congested schedule and a squad hurt by injuries and suspensions no grounds for excuses.

And, while the clash with Bristol City is not considered a derby as such, the relative closeness of the two clubs mean it has always been a hotly-contested fixture played out amidst a febrile atmosphere.

And the Swans boss knows his side have to be ready to turn in an improved showing if they are to give themselves the chance to complete the season double over Nigel Pearson’s team.

“It was a tough night after the elation we experienced on Saturday against Blackburn,” he said.

“We are better than that, we know we are capable of being miles better than that and we will need to be on Sunday.

“We have to have more energy about us, because it is hurtful to perform like that.

“But, as I’ve said before, I believe we have a great group of players here with plenty of character.

“They have shown that and hopefully we will recover well and get prepared and ready.

“We know it will be a great atmosphere on Sunday, it is an important game given the locality of the teams.

“We are back at home, and it is important for us to bounce back.”