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Lee Trundle
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Source: Swansea Official Site
Korey Smith believes character and grit have played a big part in Swansea City occupying an automatic promotion place early in 2021.
The midfielder laid on a pair of assists against Watford at the weekend as Steve Cooper’s side climbed to second in the table.
That followed on from wins over Barnsley and Queens Park Rangers, and a draw against Reading over the festive period.
Despite the challenges of a compacted schedule due to the delay to the end of last season amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the Swans have consistently put points on the board over the first half of the campaign.
There remains a long way to go but, having come through a period between mid-October and mid-December where Championship sides played every weekend and midweek – aside from the November international break – Smith feels Swansea have shown resilience.
“It was important to win at the weekend because we had played really well against Reading – another team who are up there – and did not get the win, which frustrated us,” he said.
“But we showed real character, to come back from a goal down, also having to make the late change when Joel (Latibeaudiere) got injured in the warm-up.
“We dealt with those setbacks, and were still able to produce a really strong performance and get a result.
“I think we have had that character and fighting spirit so far. I am proud of how the boys have been playing in recent games.”
Smith – who joined the Swans from Bristol City in August, also feels Cooper’s side are starting to show the sort of attacking football they can play.
“There’s a long way to go, we’ve been though a few tough spells where the games have been coming thick and fast, and I am sure there have been times when it’s maybe not been the prettiest football to watch,” he added.
““We have found ways to win and ground results out, but I think in the last week or so you have started to see some of the football we are capable of playing.
“We have played some lovely stuff, created some great chances and got the results. I was happy to be able to do my bit and be involved in the two in this win.
“The big thing is to keep going.”
Korey Smith believes character and grit have played a big part in Swansea City occupying an automatic promotion place early in 2021.
The midfielder laid on a pair of assists against Watford at the weekend as Steve Cooper’s side climbed to second in the table.
That followed on from wins over Barnsley and Queens Park Rangers, and a draw against Reading over the festive period.
Despite the challenges of a compacted schedule due to the delay to the end of last season amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the Swans have consistently put points on the board over the first half of the campaign.
There remains a long way to go but, having come through a period between mid-October and mid-December where Championship sides played every weekend and midweek – aside from the November international break – Smith feels Swansea have shown resilience.
“It was important to win at the weekend because we had played really well against Reading – another team who are up there – and did not get the win, which frustrated us,” he said.
“But we showed real character, to come back from a goal down, also having to make the late change when Joel (Latibeaudiere) got injured in the warm-up.
“We dealt with those setbacks, and were still able to produce a really strong performance and get a result.
“I think we have had that character and fighting spirit so far. I am proud of how the boys have been playing in recent games.”
Smith – who joined the Swans from Bristol City in August, also feels Cooper’s side are starting to show the sort of attacking football they can play.
“There’s a long way to go, we’ve been though a few tough spells where the games have been coming thick and fast, and I am sure there have been times when it’s maybe not been the prettiest football to watch,” he added.
““We have found ways to win and ground results out, but I think in the last week or so you have started to see some of the football we are capable of playing.
“We have played some lovely stuff, created some great chances and got the results. I was happy to be able to do my bit and be involved in the two in this win.
“The big thing is to keep going.”
