Downes will be up for the Swans’ big clash with Cardiff
FLYNN Downes is no stranger to derby hostility. The midfielder twice played for Ipswich Town against bitter rivals Norwich City. Downes lost on both of those occasions, with the most recent seeing the Tractor Boys lose 3-0 at Carrow Road as the Canaries romped to the league title.
Downes was introduced off the bench long after the damage had been done, although he still had time to pick up a booking as the derby pain fully hit home.
Fast forward to the present, and Downes is now bidding to play a key role in ensuring he is on the right end of derby ecstasy as Swansea City bid to topple Cardiff City on Sunday, October 17.
“It’s already being talked about. It’s a massive game, a derby so we’ll be fully prepared,” he said before the contest with Fulham.
“I can’t wait. I’ve been asking the boys ‘what’s it like?’. Last year was weird because there were no fans, but it’s a once in a lifetime game. “I’m looking forward to it. “We’ll be working hard over the international break and I’m sure the gaffer will want to get a few ideas across.”
Swansea are hopeful of being at full strength for the clash with the Bluebirds.
Michael Obafemi, Ryan Bennett and Olivier Ntcham are expected to have recovered from their respective injuries while players including Jamie Paterson, Ethan Laird and Joel Piroe will get some much needed rest time during the international break.
And Russell Martin admits his players will be fully aware of how much the derby contest means to the Jack Army.
“We’re in a place where the club means so much to so many people,” explained the head coach.
“The players will be reminded of it every time they step out of the house.
“That’s how it was whenever I played in games like that, so they’re going to talk about it.
“It’s about not wasting too much energy or feeling anything about it until the game comes.
“We’ll be really prepared for it and I look forward to it.”
■ For the latest Swansea City news and analysis delivered straight to your inbox, you can sign up for our newsletter here.