Mowbray – Roberts is Olympic class

Whether it is mind games or just genuine praise for our team but Tony Mowbray is preparing his Blackburn side this evening to face the Swans and very aware of the threats that are offered by Steve Cooper’s side.

Blackburn may have ended a run of six straight defeats with a win at Millwall on Saturday but he is not underestimating the form of the Swans who have won our last two games off the back of a penalty in the last minute of stoppage time.

That penalty has been converted by Andre Ayew with a coolness that we have become accustomed to and he was one of those praised by Mowbray as he described the leading scorer as “one of, if not the best” in the Championship.

“I think Ayew is one of, if not the best, players in this division,” Mowbray said of the Swans threat.

“His knowledge, his body strength, his touch and awareness, he’s a fantastic footballer.  “He might not be as fast and direct as some players, but a wonderful footballer who has great vision and touch.”

The Swans have been grateful this season to the form of all their full backs but it is Connor Roberts in particular who has caught the eye both with his creativity and his goals (he has four to date) and that is also not lost on Mowbray who added “I think their right back is an exceptional player, Roberts, he’s like a 400m Olympic athlete running down that right wing.

“Jamal Lowe has done exceptionally well over the last year or so in his career, the threat he careers and the boundless energy he brings to their team.

“They’ve recruited well, Steve gets a lot of credit, their recruitment has been good.”

The game at Ewood Park kicks off at 6pm.