BOWEN ORDERS ‘DYNAMIC’ BID
Cooper throws Young Lions Rhian and Guehi into derby cauldron HOILETT: WE’LL AVENGE SHAME
vChampionship, tomorrow, 12 noon
STEVE COOPER believes two of England’s brightest young talents can ensure Swansea win the battle for South Wales supremacy.
The Swans boss has secured the loan signings of Liverpool ace Rhian Brewster and Chelsea defender Marc Guehi after leading them to Under-17 World Cup glory with England two years ago.
The Liberty Stadium side are looking to become the first side to complete a league double in the 108year history of the derby.
And Cooper (right) reckons his Young Lions can help their new side create history just days after walking through the door.
“They have really good, winning mentalities, and they want to get the best out of themselves and their team-mates,” he said. “They’ve been training with the first-team squads at
JUNIOR HOILETT admits Cardiff’s players felt “ashamed” after losing at Swansea in October.
And the Canadian international has vowed to get revenge tomorrow.
Hoilett (right) said: “The mood was bad after the game in Swansea – everybody was down, ashamed.
“But everyone came in the next day to try to
their clubs all season and I know all about their characters having worked with them before – and I know they will fit in really well.
“Both of them are really good players who are more than capable of excelling at this level, they just need to make sure they do that and buy in for the greater good of the team.”
Brewster would become the first player to feature in both the Merseyside and rectify things and we certainly have a point to prove. I don’t think we’ve got anything to be scared of and this is our chance to put things right.” Hoilett missed the 1-0 defeat at the Liberty Stadium but can’t wait to put a smile back on the faces of the Bluebirds fans. “I’ve pIayed in some big derbies with Blackburn and QPR, but this will be one of the biggest for me,” he said. “It is a great match.”
South Wales derbies in the same week, having also played against Everton last weekend.
And the arrival of Guehi may take on added importance if defender Mike van der Hoorn fails a fitness test today. The Swansea boss has ensured his new signings know the significance of the derby clash, and he has urged his players to harness the pressure of doing the double on their nearest
neighbours to inspire a repeat of their 1-0 victory at the Liberty in October.
“From day one, there hasn’t been a week gone by where the derby hasn’t been mentioned,” he added.
“We’re fully aware of how big it is. The history is a big motivation for us – we can’t focus on it but we have to have it burning in the back of our head so we can hone in on what we need to do to win.
“We’re in control of our performance and if they get that right the history will take care of itself.”
Championship: 3pm
MARK BOWEN has told his Reading players they are still underachieving despite their hot Christmas streak.
The Royals have won their last four league matches but need to be more assertive to ignite a promotion push.
And Bowen, who sees his side take on Nottingham Forest, said: “This club has been undervalued and underperforming for too long, so we have to try to change the whole dynamic. You have good months – but it can quickly turn.”
vChampionship: 3pm
BLACKBURN boss Tony Mowbray has an injury crisis ahead today’s derby showdown.
Rovers are five games without victory in all competitions, picking up just two points from a possible 12 over the festive period. Striker Bradley Dack is out for the season, while Ryan Nyambe, Corry Evans, Lewis Holtby, Danny Graham and Elliott Bennett are all struggling. “It’s felt a bit like that, picking the team almost down to the last 11 and then just filling the bench,” admitted Mowbray (above).