Toshack highlights ‘big opportunity’

Cameron Toshack believes Swansea City Under-23s have a huge opportunity to challenge for top spot when they face Premier League 2 rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Friday (7pm).

The young Swans are fourth in the Division 1 table, two points behind an Arsenal side who are level on points with leaders Leicester.

Victory in London would mean the Swans could challenge for the title in their final game against Sunderland.

And Toshack feels they must be at their best if they are to beat the Gunners on their own patch.

“Tomorrow’s game is a big opportunity for us,” Toshack said.

“We have been looking forward to our game at the Emirates Stadium for some time.

“The fact that we are playing a close rival in the league with something on the game adds that extra intensity.

“Everyone is aware of what is on the game. This sort of match is ideal preparation for when these players make the step into professional football.”

The Swans have only lost once in their last 11 league outings, a fine run which has set up a dramatic season finale.

Arsenal qualified for the final of the Premier League International Cup on Tuesday with a 5-4 penalty victory over Spanish side Villarreal, with either Newcastle or Porto to come in the final.

“Tuesday’s victory shows that Arsenal will provide a tough test,” Toshack continued. “So we must make sure we are at our best.

“We want our youngsters to perform to the level we know they are capable of. This team have been superb over the last few months. We want them to maintain that in our final few games.

“Our development set-up has progressed so much over the last three years.

“Myself and Gary (Richards) are proud of the winning mentality the team has created this season and we hope to maintain that progression.”

Swansea City face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium this Friday, April 13 (7pm). The game will be streamed LIVE via swanseacity.com.