Steve Cooper | Extra competition adds to battle for places

Steve Cooper believes the increased competition for places will only benefit his Swansea City squad over the remainder of the season.

The Swans have had a productive January to date, bringing in Rhian Brewster, Marc Guehi and Conor Gallagher on loan deals until the end of the season.

With those additions coming across the forward, defensive and midfield areas, it just adds to the battle for a place in Cooper’s starting line-up.

And the head coach has made clear that he expects the new faces to ensure he can continue to ratchet up the edge and intensity he wants to see every day in training at Fairwood.

“I think bringing the three lads in has created even more competition. I don’t want anyone on easy street here, thinking they are going to play every week just by being around,” he said.

“I want people to fight and to compete, and to give their very best every single day.

“That’s what I want it to take to give yourself the best opportunity to get picked.

“Then, when you play, that’s even more the case, regardless of your experience or regardless of your age.

“It needs to be a blank canvas week in and week out.

“That’s the culture and environment we want, it’s not one of entitlement or going through the motions.

“Every day has to be a competitive day because there is a lot of work going on in all aspects. The role of the players in that is to give 100 per cent every day.”