Steve Cooper and Swansea City focus on finishing strong

Steve Cooper believes psychological toughness will be key for Swansea City over their final run-in, but has reminded his side they remain in a positive position.

The disappointment of defeat to QPR at the Liberty on Tuesday night was compounded by Watford’s win over Norwich early in the evening.

The combination of those two results mean the automatic promotion spots are all but out of reach for the Swans, with the Hornets nine points clear of them in second place with three games remaining, plus a significant goal difference advantage.

It means Swansea’s focus will be on securing a play-off berth to ensure they remain in the promotion hunt beyond the regular season.

And Cooper has been quick to point out that, while disappointed to have dropped points at home so soon after the weekend draw with Wycombe, the Swans still sit fourth in the table and have plenty to play for and look forward to.

“I think the psychological aspect has been there for a while now, for everybody, not just us,” said Cooper.

“When you get into the late run-in you are thinking about the what ifs, be they positive or negative.

“You are trying to deal with it all, while focusing on preparing and getting ready for games, and looking to deliver performances.

“I think it is that time of the season, where the psychological element is a factor.

“But for us it is a positive situation because we are at the right end of the table, you just have to really focus on the finish line.

“It’s final stretch and we want to go and finish on a positive.”