Swift: Baggies strengthening play-off claim

ATTACKING midfielder John Swift has highlighted the importance of having greater competition for places as Albion set their sights on securing promotion to the Premier League.

The Baggies are fifth in the Championship table, eight points inside the play-offs with eight games to play – with Saturday’s win over Bristol City at The Hawthorns stretching their unbeaten run to seven matches.

Albion suffered with injury issues earlier in the season but the situation has improved towards the back end of the campaign, and Swift believes the added competition will only benefit them during the run-in.

“We all want the team to be as strong as possible,” said the 28-year-old.

“Everyone knows the ultimate goal is to make it to the play-offs and get promoted to the Premier League.

“The more players we have available, the more chance there is of that happening.

“The more players we have available, the better the standard of training will be each and every day, too. It pushes everyone on to try and get their spot in the starting 11.

“A few months ago it was a lot easier to get into the starting team because of all the injuries we had.

“With that, though, comes fatigue and maybe a couple of performances where you’re not at your best, but you’ll still play because of the lack of availability.

“Now, though, if you’re not performing then someone else is waiting on the side to help the team and that’s the best thing for the squad.

“The stronger the squad, the more chance we’ve got of getting to the play-offs.

“Hopefully everyone still out injured can be back as quickly as possible to help us.”

Swift has experienced first-hand the impact of greater competition, having been restricted to making appearances from the bench in each of the past five matches.

However, he recognises the need to put the team first, and praised the squad for keeping the environment positive and competitive.

“It’s a supportive group and a tight group,” added Swift.

“Whoever isn’t selected to play, nobody sulks. There’s only ever encouragement for the lads on the pitch at any given time.

“This spell for me, being on the bench for a few games, it’s the first time I’ve done it for a long time, but it’s the first time I’ve done it in a team which is pushing for promotion.

“You have to be ready when you get the chance and you have to support the players who are playing.

“The way the lads are playing at the moment, there can’t really be too many arguments. We’re winning games and that’s the most important thing.

“Everyone who is on the bench, or maybe not even in the squad, all of those lads are training well and pushing the lads who are starting at the moment.”