‘We don’t need any motivation’

Cameron Toshack reckons Swansea City Under-23s do not need any motivation as they look to defend the Premier League Cup.

The young Swans face Sheffield United in the semi-final at Landore on Friday having gone all the way in this competition last season.

The development side defeated Brighton in a dramatic 9-8 penalty shootout win earlier this month to book their place in the last four.

And Toshack believes they must make the most of the opportunity ahead of them.

“A semi-final of any competition is something to look forward to,” Toshack said.

“As holders it is important to make a good impression and defend it with our lives.

“We have had some tight games in the competition this season but we need to look upon it as our cup that we want to retain.

“Knockout cup football is great for a young player’s development because they get tested to a different level.

“The attitude of our players has been brilliant, but they know there is a bit more pressure on them to perform. These are the kind of games we need to push and show ourselves in.

“Sheffield United have a very good competitive group of players who recently beat Derby. We won’t be taking the game lightly.”

Should the Swans be beaten by the Blades, their season will be over.

But Toshack says the players are hungry to extend their campaign.

“If we lose it is our last game and if we win, we have a final to compete in,” he added. “The group are training hard and won’t need any motivation to perform.

“We are in touching distance of another final and it is another chance to impress.”