Grimes: I can’t wait for this one

MATT GRIMES admits he has been dreaming about an all-Welsh derby with Cardiff since the day he walked into Swansea.

The Swans skipper (above) leads his team into the first derby with the Bluebirds for five-anda-half years in a highnoon shoot-out at the Liberty Stadium.

Grimes joined Swansea from Exeter City in 2015 and his biggest derby dust-up to date is the Grecians’ cream tea tear-up with Plymouth.

“I’ve been waiting for years for my chance to play in one of these,” said the English midfielder, who was a key cog in his club’s metronomic start to the season.

“It’s a massive game, one you can’t escape as you’re told about this rivalry as soon as you walk through the doors at Swansea. The fans talk about it and you can’t get away from the vibe in the city.

“All the players will be looking to put on their best football and really show everyone what we can do.

“I’ve played in Exeter against Plymouth and Blackburn against Burnley as well. Any derby is tasty and I think every club has got their team that they want to desperately win against. But this game will have more of an edge to it.”

Both clubs were still in the Premier League when they last met when Swansea won 3-0 under former manager Garry Monk.

Not only have they fallen down a rung on the ladder, but neither team has much recent form to give them confidence.

After being top of the Championship for the first couple of months, the Swans have slipped to ninth with just one win in their last seven games, while Cardiff have not won away from home all season.

Swans manager Steve Cooper grew up in Pontypridd – just 12 miles from Cardiff – but is at pains to prove he never supported them.

Cooper, who claims he was a Liverpool fan, insisted: “If I had a genuine affiliation to Cardiff, I’d say so. I’m not a liar and I’m certainly not going to lie to the Swansea fans.

“But there is no affiliation – absolutely not one ounce – of memory, contact, affiliation to them, nothing.”