Russell Martin | We need to bring energy and intensity

Russell Martin wants his Swansea City side to bring intensity and aggression for the full 90 minutes when they take on Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park this afternoon (3pm).

The Swans head to the site of Martin’s first game as head coach 18 months ago looking to build on a victory over Blackpool that has moved them to within five points of the play-off places.

Rovers are also in that group of clubs within touching distance of the top six, and will themselves be looking to return to winning ways after the unlikely run of four draws in a row which has followed them not sharing the spoils in any of their 27 previous Championship games this season.

The Lancashire club were 3-0 victors in the reverse fixture earlier this season, and Martin and his team want to be on the end of a more positive scoreline this time round.

But he knows it will require his side to produce a consistently energetic showing.

"It's going to be a really good test for us,” said the Swans boss.

"We need to start the game how we started against Birmingham and Blackpool the other night, we need to try and keep that level of performance and energy for longer in the game.

"In those last two home games we played with real energy and aggression early on in the game and haven't quite been able to maintain that. We need to go there with the intention to try and take the game to them.

"I'm really excited about going back there. it was an interesting game against them earlier in the season, and it’s one we want to put right.

“There's a lot of belief in here. The result on Wednesday night has definitely helped people here. especially the young ones, to relax a little bit and feel confident. We're going there to try and win. If we do, we'll be right back in the hunt.”