Ling Ready For Test

Martin Ling has admitted that his side’s Saturday test against Swansea is their toughest of the season so far.

Ling faces the Swans with his side three points clear at the summit having just avoided relegation on their return to the third tier of English football last season. However, he believes that Swansea will be one of the sides that will be up there challenging come next May and is using the weekend game as a benchmark of how far they have progressed

“When you look at sides like Leeds, Swansea and Forest, you cannot escape from the fact that we are punching above our weight at the moment,” said Ling. “But the longer it goes on, then you eventually reach the tipping point, when promotion is achievable.

“Sides like Southend, Colchester and Scunthorpe have proved it can be done and maybe we can emulate their achievements. But, at the moment, there has to be a sense of realism as to how far we can go.

“Our home form is a problem, if we are to stay up with the leaders. Seven points from 12 is hardly scintillating and, realistically, Saturday’s game with Swansea will be our toughest to date at Brisbane Road.”

It will be a tough seven days for Ling’s men – they will take on unbeaten Leeds next weekend in the battle between the early season form sides.

Make no mistake; I’m sure that both Swansea and Leeds will be top six sides.

“Throw Nottingham Forest into the equation and those clubs are the three big spenders in this league. Before the season started I would have put money on them all finishing in the top six.

“So our games against Swansea and Leeds will show us just what we have got to do to stay in the shake-up.

“It’s massively important that we bounce back from that defeat to Gillingham with a positive performance against Swansea. It’s a big one for us.

“Roberto Martinez will try to get them to play a little more football than previously. We know what to expect and it will be a tough game, but I’d like us to put a 90-minute performance in at home.

“We haven’t really done that yet, so that’s what I’m looking to change.”