Toshack: Let's finish on a high

Cameron Toshack has urged Swansea City Under-23s to finish their Premier League 2 campaign on a high when they face Manchester City at the Academy Stadium this evening (7pm).

The young Swans will be aiming to round off a generally difficult league season in the best way possible.

Their relegation from the top flight of development football was confirmed following a 2-1 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur two weeks ago.

Nevertheless, with Saturday’s Premier League Cup semi-final on the horizon, Toshack insists there is still plenty of incentive for his players.

“Manchester City are undoubtedly one of the best academies in the world. Everything they do – the facilities they have, the way they coach their players and the players that they get in – will provide a really good test for our young men,” the under-23s coach said.

“We’ll be treating it like every other game and be very well-prepared for it.

“It’s our last league game of the season, so we want to put in a very good performance and make sure we finish on a high.

“It’s also important for the players to prove what they’ve got because there’s a Premier League Cup semi-final spot potentially up for grabs for those that do well.”

The under-23s are seeking a second consecutive win at the Academy Stadium, having enjoyed a memorable 1-0 victory there last season thanks to Kenji Gorre’s stoppage-time strike.

Just over 12 months on, Toshack knows that another monumental shift will be required and has encouraged players to play to their strengths.

“When you play these top academies that have got great young players, you know that, at times, you’re going to have to work really hard and maintain your discipline and focus,” he continued. 

“That’s something we will charge our youngsters with doing this evening.

“We played there last year and it’s a fantastic experience to go into that academy and set-up. The way that we play football and the onus we have on doing it the Swansea City way will be tested on a really good surface – which, I’m sure, will be one of the best we’ve played on this year.”

You can watch the young Swans LIVE on swanseacity.com from 7pm this evening.