Confident Celina ready to provide sting at Bees
BERSANT Celina is targetting Brentford today at Griffin Park (3pm) as he bids to add more goals and assists to his name.
The Kosovan was one of the standout performers in the Swans’ 1-0 win over Luton at Kenilworth Road thanks to Andre Ayew’s late goal.
Celina caused havoc with some dangerous runs into the heart of the Hatters’ defence, and terrific link-up play with Tom Carroll and Jake Bidwell down the left flank.
The attacking midfielder was then involved in the goal as he brilliantly controlled Ben Wilmot’s long diagonal ball on his chest before feeding Jay Fulton, whose deflected cross was nudged in by Ayew.
Celina, who has scored twice for the Swans this season, also had opportunities to find the net for the first time since August’s win over Birmingham – only for a couple of crucial blocks to deny him, while a delightful lob over Luton keeper Simon Sluga was ruled out after the referee had blown for an earlier foul.
Victory moved Swansea back into the play-off places at Christmas and, although happy with his own individual
performance, the 23-year-old wants to start providing a greater contribution towards his side’s cause.
“It was a great win for us. We just kept going right until the end and I think we got what we deserved,” he said.
“We played so well and there were some great individual performances.
“I think I did well. I know that I have spells where I don’t score or assist as often as I want, but I never lose confidence and always keep striving to achieve my goals.
“I need to get back to scoring more goals and providing more assists.
“These days, attacking players are mainly judged on goals and assists. People don’t really look into games; they just look at the stats and judge you.
“I want to do really well with this team so, hopefully, I can start providing again soon.”
Cooper will be utilising his squad against the Bees, especially over a busy festive period, and will be hoping his substitutes keep making an impact as they did against Luton.
“We call them finishers – just like they do in rugby,” said Cooper.
“Part of the methodology in our training programme is to train the whole squad every day in readiness for the next game whether that’s fitness, tactical, individual development – that’s what it’s all about.
“It’s really pleasing when players come off the bench and show their quality.
“Jay Fulton did it on Saturday, just like Wayne Routledge and Kyle Naughton earlier in the season, while Barrie McKay created a goal against Middlesbrough.
“Never once have I seen players shy away and lacking confidence, and that’s a very good sign.”