Swansea City Under-23s Middlesbrough Cameron Toshack

Cameron Toshack has challenged Swansea City Under-23 to maintain their performance levels when they face Middlesbrough at Victoria Park on Monday (7pm).

The development squad are top of Premier League 2 (Division 2) after an unbeaten start to the season following wins over West Brom, Wolves and West Ham.

The young Swans face Middlesbrough for the first time in PL2 and Toshack believes Boro, who played in division 1 last season, could be one of their toughest challenges this season.

"Middlesbrough are a very experienced academy and we are looking forward to the new challenge of playing them," he said.

"David Parnaby's side have a very good academy system with an excellent record of bringing players through to a first-team level.

"They are former champions of this division and a side who have challenged themselves against international clubs. Therefore, it will probably be one of the toughest challenges we face in the league this season.

"Because of their experience we will need to be at our best to maintain the level of performance that has delivered us three wins in a row and we must look to continue our momentum heading into this month."

Academy youngster Joe Rodon returns to the squad after winning his first Wales Under-21 caps this month.

But the Swans will be without Dutch forward Marvin Emnes, who has featured for the U23s this season, after he secured a loan move to Championship side Blackburn.

"We are pleased that Marvin has been able to secure a loan move and we wish him all the best," added Toshack.

"Our side will look more youthful for this match but it will be a great opportunity for other players in the group to make their mark and gain more experience this season.

"A number of our players have continued to develop with their respective nations this international break. We are delighted that Daniel and Joe have pushed forward with their international careers and gain their first caps with Wales U21s last week."

SWANS U23s SQUAD (from): Gregor Zabret, Aaron Lewis, Keston Davies, Tyler Reid, Tom Plezier, Joe Rodon, Tom Holland, Jack Evans, Tom Dyson, Ryan Blair, George Byers, Botti Biabi, Alex Bray, Owain Jones, Alex Samuel, Jordan Garrick, Daniel James.