Bring our ‘A-game’ and play-offs could be on, says Byers
GEORGE Byers believes Swansea City can finish in the Championship’s top six at the end of the season if the players stay “on their A-game”.
The 22-year-old netted his first senior goal for the club against Millwall on Saturday, with his 43rd minute strike proving enough for the Swans to take all three points against the Lions.
Graham Potter’s men moved up to 11th place in the table as a result of the triumph.
And with 15 league matches left to play, Byers (pictured right) is confident that Swansea can launch an assault on the top six in the final months of the campaign.
When asked if the Swans can still push for a play-off spot, Byers responded: “Of course. That’s what we want.
“We want to push ourselves and go as high as we can. We know we have a good team here and that we can go places.
“If everyone stays on their A-game, there is no reason why we can’t get to the play-offs.
“We just need to get on a good run, like we did before and we’ll be back up there.
“We are still in and around it. A couple more wins and we could be back up there again.
“That’s what we are all hoping for. That’s what we will be trying to do in the next couple of games.”
Victory against Neil Harris’ side came a week after a turbulent spell that saw three first-team players leave the club on deadline day, Swansea suffer their first defeat of 2019 and Huw Jenkins resign from his post as chairman.
Jefferson Montero, Wilfried Bony and Tom Carroll departed the club on loan deals, while Leroy Fer and Daniel James also came close to securing exits.
And following a miserable transfer window that saw no players arrive at the Liberty Stadium, Jenkins resigned as club chairman just hours after the Swans were beaten 2-0 by Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
But Byers said the players are refusing to let events off the pitch affect things inside the dressing room.
“As players, we have to show professionalism and that means coming in every day and giving our all. Whatever happens off the pitch is not down to us,” he added.
“We are focused and we know what we have to do to win games.
“We are a good squad and everyone gets on with each other. Even after last week’s defeat to Bristol City, we picked ourselves up and got on with it. The dressing room is very together. There are no bad vibes - nothing like that.
“We have to be professional and fully focus on things on the pitch. That’s all I can say about that.”
Potter’s men return to action against Leeds United at Elland Road tomorrow night.
It comes after James’ failed move to Marcelo Bielsa’s side on transfer deadline day.
The 21-year-old had passed a medical ahead of a proposed move to the Whites and was even pictured at their home stadium, although the deal fell through at the 11th hour.
Speaking after the win against Millwall, Potter stated that he would have no hesitation in thrusting the Wales international into the limelight in Yorkshire.
And Byers has no concerns over how James will cope with any flak that comes his way from the stands tomorrow night.
“He has been excellent since he came back in,” said Byers.
“We’ve given him a bit of stick since he came back, but he’s happy as Larry.
“We are buzzing to have him back and he’s going to do everything he can to help us get to where we want to be at the end of the season.
“Dan’s a player who can often get stick from other fans because he is so effective in games.
“He’s so fast. They will probably do everything they can to get in his head, but he’s a strong lad and I’m sure he’ll cope.
“You get a bit of grief in every game you go into. It doesn’t matter if it’s Leeds or whoever. You expect that as a footballer. But it’s about staying strong and concentrating on the game.
“Dan is a confident lad and we love having him in the team. He gives us something different because he’s so fast. He’s different gravy.
“We can definitely win up there. We will know exactly what we need to do to beat them. We’ll be ready.”