Brian Flynn today hailed Lee Trundle as Swansea City's equivalent of Ruud van Nistelrooy. Swansea's 11-goal top-scorer has signed a 12-month extension to his Vetch Field contract, keeping him at the club until summer 2005.

And as Trundle prepares to celebrate his new deal by starting for the first time in a month in tomorrow's FA Cup first-round meeting with Rushden & Diamonds, Flynn has compared him to the darling of Old Trafford.

"Every club has its influential players," said the Swansea boss, "even Manchester United.

"They have got plenty of quality, but if you take Ruud van Nistelrooy, Roy Keane and Rio Ferdinand out of their side they are not quite the same.

"Lee is one of those players for us, and that makes him a big part of our plans.

"I knew when we signed him that he would make a big impact for us.

"My old manager when I first went to Burnley as a 15-year-old, Jimmy Adamson, used to tell us to play with a smile in our boots.

"That's what Lee is doing. He is a showman who is enjoying his football and hopefully this will be the first of many Swansea contracts he signs."

Trundle, who will partner Kevin Nugent up front tomorrow, added: "It wasn't a difficult decision to extend my stay.

"I've settled in really well here because everyone at the club and the fans have been great to me."

After thrashing out the 27-year-old's new deal with his agent, Neil Sang, Vetch chairman Huw Jenkins was equally delighted.

He said: "Lee is a vital part of our long-term plans - we see him playing a big part in achieving our aim of promotion in the next two seasons.

"He scores goals and he is a real entertainer, which is a massive boost for everybody who comes to watch us play."

Another crowd-pleaser, Leon Britton, is on course to return after back trouble tomorrow, while Flynn is also hopeful over Andy Robinson (calf).

Lenny Johnrose will return in midfield after suspension, while Kris O'Leary or Stuart Jones will replace on-loan Alan Tate at the back.

Mark Wilson and Danny Nardiello have also been refused permission to play by their clubs, while Roberto Martinez (knee) has lost his battle to be fit for the cup opener.

Rushden have injury problems of their own, with star striker Onandi Lowe, deputy Paul Kitson and goalkeeper Billy Turley all out.

SWANSEA CITY golden boy Lee Trundle has admitted the Vetch Field fans are the reason for agreeing a one-year extension to his current contract.

Top scorer Trundle put pen to paper on his new deal yesterday which ties the former Wrexham striker to South Wales until June 2005.

And although Trundle admits he could have bided his time in sorting out the new deal, the popular front man wanted to repay the support he's received from the Swans fans.

"I knew I could have held out to sign the contract," said Trundle. "I know I've been playing well and had some good press and there would be a lot of other clubs interested in me.

"But the fans have been so fantastic to me since I joined I wanted to give them something back, I wanted to show them a bit of loyalty."

Trundle has received hero-like status since his summer switch from Wrexham, thanks to his 11 league goals and his insistence to entertain with a host of tricks and turns.

And although Trundle admits he does want to play at a higher level, the 27-year-old is confident he can do that at Swansea.

"I want to play as high as I can and I want to get out of this division," he said. "But there's no reason why I can't do that here.

"This deal proves I'm looking ahead and hopefully we can build together."

Swans boss Brian Flynn was equally delighted about the deal to hold on to his prized asset for at least another season.

"He's made an immediate impact," said Flynn. "But then I always knew that.

"There's no guarantees in football but, knowing Lee as I do, I was always confident he would do well here.

"The club suits him and he suits us - it's a perfect match."

And Flynn claimed Liverpudlian Trundle has had no problems settling down in South Wales.

"He knows what daps are now and we've even got him eating laverbread," joked Flynn.

But Trundle admitted he is perfectly happy in his new surroundings and again thanked the people of Swansea for their part in that.

"It was my first move away from home so I was a bit wary and only signed for a year," he said.

"But the fans have been fantastic and even the people in the surrounding area have been brilliant."

And now Trundle hopes to celebrate his new contract and his return to fitness after a knee injury by knocking Rushden & Diamonds out of the FA Cup tomorrow.

"We haven't had a great run of late and hopefully this will be a boost for the lads," he said.

Striker Lee Trundle has signed a new contract which will keep him at Swansea until June 2005.
And he is determined to celebrate by getting among the goals as soon as possible.

Trundle returned to action in midweek following a knee ligament injury which showed his value to Brian Flynn's side.

The former Wrexham striker scored 11 goals at the start of the season before being sidelined last month.

In his absence the Swans scored just once in four games before his comeback in Tuesday's LDV Vans Trophy defeat by Southend.

And at the same time Scunthorpe's Steve MacLean has drawn level with him at the top of the Third Division's scoring chart.

"The others needed a few games to catch up with me," Trundle smiled. "So now I'm back I'll have to leave them all behind again.

"Because of the form I was in, it was a big blow to come out of the side with injury and I need to get back on the scoresheet this weekend."

The Swans play host to Rushden and Diamonds in the FA Cup first round on Saturday.

"We've been unlucky with a lot of injuries lately but hopefully now I'm back I can give everybody a lift," he added.

"Rushden are a Second Division side, but we've got enough quality to beat them if we perform on the day," Trundle told the South Wales Evening Post.

Lee Trundle declared himself ready to fire Swansea City back to form after returning from injury in last night's miserable LDV Vans Trophy defeat by Southend. And the Vetch Field top scorer, sidelined since October 11 with a knee ligament problem, has told boss Brian Flynn he is fit enough to start Saturday's FA Cup first-round tie with Rushden & Diamonds having played half an hour as a substitute in the 2-1 reverse.

"It was great to be back out there," the 11-goal striker said.

"There was one tackle on me where I felt my knee but I have come through unscathed and I've got confidence now going into the weekend.

"I'm probably coming back a week ahead of schedule, but everything feels fine and I feel I'm in contention for a start against Rushden & Diamonds.

"With the three loan players unavailable, we're a bit short on numbers and I will be hoping to get straight back into the side."

Trundle's sensational start to life at Vetch Field saw him lead the Nationwide League scoring charts before injury struck at Leyton Orient.

Scunthorpe's Steve MacLean has drawn level with the former Wrexham man at the summit of the Third Division's top marksman list during his absence, leaving him determined to rediscover the finishing touch straightaway.

"The others needed a few games to catch up with me," he grinned, "so now I'm back I'll have to leave them all behind again.

"Because of the form I was in, it was a big blow to come out of the side with injury and I need to get back on the scoresheet this weekend.

"We've been unlucky with a lot of injuries lately but hopefully now I'm back I can give everybody a lift this weekend.

"Rushden are a Second Division side, but we've got enough quality to beat them if we perform on the day."

Trundle's return was the biggest plus for Flynn on a night when his mix and match side slumped out of the LDV Vans Trophy, with Danny Nardiello's last-minute goal a mere consolation.

"It's important to have Lee back. He's fairly close to full fitness now and we'll make a decision on him on Friday," Swansea's director of football said.

Flynn is hopeful that Roberto Martinez, Leon Britton and Andy Robinson will all be fit to face Rushden after on-loan trio Alan Tate, Mark Wilson and Nardiello were refused permission to play by their clubs.

As soon as the draw for the FA Cup first round was made Richard Duffy was straight on the phone to elder brother Robert. Swansea were paired with Rushden & Diamonds at Vetch Field and the younger sibling took the chance to get in first as the banter started between the two.

''He rang me straight away to tell me the draw,'' said 20-year-old Robert, now in his third season at the Northamptonshire club.

''I didn't know who we had drawn, but it didn't take long for him to tell me.

''Unfortunately I won't be playing as I fractured my kneecap in a training accident just before the start of the season. But even if I can't get there I will be keeping an eye on Teletext.

''And I am sure Richard will be on the phone straight away afterwards, especially if Swansea win!''

The brothers have gone down similar paths, playing for Swansea City's junior sides as they grew up, before Robert switched to Rushden in December 2000.

Duffy senior is still a Swansea fan, so he admits to divided loyalties ahead of Saturday's clash.

''From a professional point of view, I want Rushden to win,'' he said.

''Richard and I are pretty close but I have to say Rushden.

''But I also want Swansea to do well. I would love to be playing because as a striker I would probably have been marked by my brother, if he was in the team.

''It will be tough because Swansea have been doing well.

''I think we will be happy if we can get a draw and get them back at our place. Anything but defeat.''

Duffy junior would have loved to have come up against his brother, too.

Richard, like Robert, has already experienced the tension of an FA Cup tie before.

But his experience was not as memorable as his brother, who scored three goals in two games last season as Rushden beat Kidderminster in the first round after a replay.

Duffy junior was introduced as a late substitute for his first-team debut at Macclesfield as a 16-year-old when Swansea went down 4-1.

Two years on he is hoping for better things, if he makes the side.

''It wasn't very nice at Macclesfield,'' he recalled. ''We lost badly. This time round I suppose we are the underdogs because they are in the higher division and they are not doing too bad.

''Our form has not been too good recently so it will be hard.

''It's a shame Robert's not playing because I would have marked him if I was in the side.

''The FA Cup is a great competition and obviously we would love a cup run, but our priority is the league.''

Whichever way it goes, there is no doubt there will be more telephone calls between the brothers.

Unless, of course, they are in the stands at the Vetch together, then you could see some real sibling rivalry!

ROOKIE Swansea City 'keeper Brian Murphy says he will report for Republic of Ireland duty later this month boosted by his return to first-team action at the Vetch.

Murphy was back between the Swansea posts for Tuesday's LDV Vans Trophy clash against Southend, but it was a far from perfect evening for the 20-year-old Irishman.

The former Manchester City 'keeper, making only his sixth senior appearance of the season, spilled a cross that allowed Southend to open the scoring before going on to dump the Swans out of the competition with a 2-1 win.

But Murphy, whose confidence was knocked earlier in the campaign when he committed two blunders to help Oxford claim a 3-0 victory over Swansea, said he was pleased with his overall performance.

And rather than be downhearted about it, Murphy said his cup outing had given him a lift ahead of his involvement with the Irish squad in the Under-20 World Cup in Dubai.

"I was pleased to be back and get 90 minutes under my belt," said Murphy, who had kept the subs' bench warm since being dropped after his Kassam Stadium howlers on August 25.

"To be honest, I wasn't disappointed with my performance against Southend. I felt good.

"You talk about the first goal, but the cross came in and it seemed to take a nick off someone before hitting me in the chest.

"People might think differently, but I don't think I could have done much more as I saw the ball late.

"On the whole, I felt more relaxed than I did at the start of the season and I thought my talking was better.

"I've learned from what happened at Oxford and, on this occasion, I didn't feel as if I was trying too hard.

"With the manager agreeing to release me for the World Cup, it was good to get another first-team game and it'll give me a bit of extra confidence."

Murphy will be available for Swansea's trip to Northampton on November 17 before travelling to the Middle East.

He will be away until December 19 at the latest, meaning Swans boss Brian Flynn might have to arrange cover for Roger Freestone.

Murphy hopes the competition - postponed from last year - will provide a stepping stone to the under-21 team.

"I've won 30-odd caps from under-15 level upwards, so I'd love to make the next step up," he said. "There will be under-21 friendlies coming up and I hope to be involved.

"I'm grateful to the gaffer (Flynn) for letting me go. He knows what it means to represent your country."

Swansea City skipper Roberto Martinez is backing his team-mates to cause a minor upset and beat Rushden Diamonds in the FA Cup first round on Saturday. Martinez had been hoping to be fit to lead the team in a competition he calls the greatest in the world.

But after a gentle training session yesterday he was forced to admit he would not recover in time from the recurrence of his knee injury.

He had a scan on the knee and is hopeful to be fit for the live Sky TV clash at Northampton on November 17.

Martinez is confident the team can succeed without him.

''Rushden will come to win the game. They have to win the game because they are the favourites,'' he said.

''In a way that will help us. In the past few games here sides have come not to lose and have put nine or 10 players behind the ball.

''That has made it harder for us. But Rushden playing more open will suit us better and we will be prepared for the fight.

''We have nothing to lose. They are the Second Division side and most people expect them to win.

''They have settled into the higher division and they have some special players like Onandi Lowe.

''There is no pressure on us and that means we can play the way we want.''

Martinez has a special affinity with the FA Cup after becoming the first Spanish player to score in the competition, in 1995 against Runcorn while playing for Wigan.

He is hoping that the magic of the cup can rub off on everyone at the Vetch so he can return in the next round.

''The FA Cup is the greatest cup competition in the world,'' said Martinez. ''It proves it when countries like Italy and Spain have changed the format of their cup competitions to mirror the way the FA Cup is.

''There is an extra buzz during cup week. Until you are involved you do not appreciate what it is.

''It's disappointing to miss it obviously, but no more disappointing than missing a league game.''

Leon Britton lives the FA Cup dream this weekend 15 years after his unfancied boyhood heroes pulled off the biggest final shock of all. Swansea City's twinkle-toed midfielder was just five years of age when Wimbledon's Crazy Gang stunned the mighty Liverpool thanks to Lawrie Sanchez's header.

He sights that game as his best cup memory - and now he is targeting a few memorable moments of his own.

''I grew up in Wimbledon and followed them when I was a kid,'' said the 21-year-old.

''And obviously that final stands out for me. It was the classic cup upset.

''Now I'm desperate to be involved on Saturday because I've never played in the FA Cup myself.

''When I came to Swansea last year unfortunately the boys had already been knocked out and it's a big thing for the players playing in this competition.

''We all dream about putting a good run together and then being drawn against one of the big Premiership teams.''

Before they can start crossing fingers for a plum draw, Brain Flynn's depleted squad must overcome Rushden & Diamonds.

Last season's Third Division champions will be without first-choice goalkeeper Billy Turley because of knee ligament trouble, but have inspirational striker Onandi Lowe fit again after six weeks on the sidelines with a groin problem.

''We're without the loan lads (Alan Tate, Danny Nardiello and Mark Wilson) and, as everybody knows, we've got plenty of injury problems,'' added Britton, himself needing to shake off a back injury which forced him out of last night's LDV clash with Southend.

''But we've got to be hopeful. We played very well at their place last season and would have won the game if Kevin Nugent's goal hadn't been wrongly disallowed.

''Hopefully we might have a couple of lads back from injury for Saturday and I'm sure if I carry on progressing as I have I will be okay.

''I had to come off at half-time in the Bristol Rovers game (last weekend) because my back had stiffened up and I was in pain when I was running.

''I think it's just a muscle strain and it's coming on really well.

''The plan is just to rest probably until Friday, then I'll train and the problems should be completely gone by Saturday.''

Fallen star Andrew Mumford insists he will not criticise Brian Flynn as he closes in on a permanent move away from Swansea City. The former Welsh Under-21 midfielder, Swansea's player of the year two seasons ago, has agreed to a third month's month loan with Newport County.

The Dr Martens outfit, managed by former Vetch Field No. 2 Peter Nicholas, are keen to make Mumford's move east permanent, while Swansea boss Flynn has made no secret of his desire to get rid of the 22-year-old.

Local lad Mumford is contracted with Swansea until the end of the season, but Flynn has stated that the ex-Llanelli man will not play for the club again while he is charge and no longer considers him part of his squad.

Though disappointed, Mumford said: ''I could criticise Brian Flynn in the newspapers but I just want to get on with playing football. That will make me a bigger and a better man.

''The fact is that managers like some people and they don't like others and that's something I'll just have to take on the chin.''

Mumford has impressed in Newport's midfield since going to Spytty Park early this season, scoring two goals.

Whether the switch becomes permanent is now likely to depend on whether he can agree a settlement on the remainder of his Vetch contract.

''Things are going well for me here. There's a good team spirit and I'm enjoying my football,'' he added.

''My fitness was lacking a bit when I first arrived but I feel good now and I want to keep on helping Newport County succeed.

''I had an offer to play for a league club, but Peter Nicholas was a big part of the decision to come here.''

THE return of Lee Trundle and Daniel Nardiello's first goal for the club were the only plus points as Swansea City's dreams of a cup final appearance went up in smoke with the fireworks last night.

Brian Flynn's men miss out on a possible trip to the Millennium Stadium after Third Division strugglers Southend dumped them out of the LDV Vans Trophy at the second round stage.

And the Swans only had themselves to blame. The home side were poor going forward, lacked pace in the middle and were uncomfortable at the back.

But the sight of Trundle returning from injury ahead of schedule to feature in the last 30 minutes briefly lifted Swansea spirits but even one or two touches of magic from the 11-goal top scorer could not help Swansea to a first home win in four matches.

A mistake by goalkeeper Brian Murphy allowed Tesfay Bramble to put Southend ahead in the 70th minute before Jimmy Corbett insured the visitors a passage to the last 16 eight minutes later.

Manchester United loanee Nardiello opened his Swansea account with a strike at the death but there was little else to encourage the meagre 2,000 crowd ahead of Saturday's FA Cup meeting with Rushden and Diamonds.

There were six changes to the Swansea side, including the long-awaited return of James Thomas after a gout problem.

Southend had arrived managerless, having dispensed with the services of Steve Wignall and it was left to caretaker manger Dave Webb to revive the flagging Essex club.

But there was precious little for either him or Flynn to get excited about in the opening exchanges.

Kieron Durkan ruffled Southend's feathers with a few menacing crosses, but on the whole the first half probably had many on the terraces wishing they had stayed at home to watch the big Champions League clash at Old Trafford.

Swansea's first chance arrived in the 20th minute when Richard Duffy headed a Durkan cross just over the bar.

Then 10 minutes later Mark Wilson sent Thomas scampering down the left flank and his tantalising cross forced defender Lewis Hunt to clear off the line.

Jonathan Coates came closest to breaking the deadlock six minutes before the break when he struck a right-foot volley against the post.

Southend tested Murphy after the break, midfielder Mark Gower's fierce free-kick drawing a decent save out of the Swansea keeper.

Trundle was introduced and would have found the net had Hunt not cleared the striker's 63rd-minute attempt off the line.

It was to prove costly as, seven minutes later, Murphy spilled a cross from Gower that allowed Bramble to put Southend in front.

Corbett rounded off a miserable night for the Swans when he converted a Neil Jenkins cross 12 minutes from time.

Nardiello claimed a 90th- minute consolation, but it was too little, too late for Swansea.

James Thomas should end two months of injury misery tonight by stepping back into Swansea City's misfiring attack. Last season's top marksman has been forced to sit and watch most of this campaign thanks to problems with gout.

But the 24-year-old, who last played on August 30, is poised to provide boss Brian Flynn with a much-needed striking option in the LDV Vans Trophy second-round tie with managerless Southend at Vetch Field.

As Flynn has come to expect this season, not all the day's news from the treatment room was good.

Andy Robinson (calf), the star of last weekend's goalless draw with Bristol Rovers, and Leon Britton (back), who has not missed a game this season, will both sit out tonight - though Swansea are hopeful the midfield duo will be okay for Saturday's FA Cup meeting with Rushden & Diamonds.

Lee Trundle, meanwhile, is progressing well after damaging ankle ligaments. The 11-goal top-scorer trained yesterday and today, but seems unlikely to be involved this evening.

"We'll see how Thommo is and I may start with him and give him 45 or 60 minutes," said Flynn, who is also without the suspended Lenny Johnrose.

"We haven't got many options with so many players out, but I may experiment a little with the side.

"Having said that, this is a game we want to win and we'll be treating it as if league points are at stake.

"If we win tonight we're in the last eight of the southern section of the draw and then it's only three games until a showpiece final at the Millennium Stadium. People at the club talk about going to Wembley (in 1994) in this competition and going to Cardiff would be a great occasion for us."

Swansea do have on-loan trio Danny Nardiello, Alan Tate and Mark Wilson available as they bid to end a run of three home matches without a goal and four without a win.

While Flynn's men were given a bye, tonight's visitors had to see off Bristol Rovers in the first round.

Southend's extra-time win was a rare success for a side struggling near the foot of Division Three. They have lost their last five league games at home, but have picked up a little on the road with no defeat in the last four outings. Even so, boss Steve Wignall was sacked yesterday, leaving Dave Webb in temporary charge.

Like Swansea, the Shrimpers are struggling with injuries - influential midfielder Jamie Fullarton is among five first-teamers who miss out tonight.

"Of course we've got half an eye on the FA Cup," added Flynn, "but we'd like to win this competition and, after our recent run, we'd like to score a couple of goals for our fans."

Seats for the Rushden game allocated to season-ticket holders will be held for them until tomorrow afternoon. If tickets are not sold by then, they will be available to anybody.

Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins has taken a swipe at Manchester United and Middlesbrough ahead of Saturday's FA Cup meeting with Rushden & Diamonds. And the Vetch Field supremo has insisted the club's current injury crisis can no longer be used as an excuse for poor results going into tonight's LDV Vans Trophy second-round tie with Southend.

Jenkins has warned that Swansea must progress in both competitions because of the financial rewards on offer.

And he believes the decisions of United and Boro to block the participation of loan players Alan Tate, Danny Nardiello and Mark Wilson in the FA Cup opener has wrongly harmed Swansea's hopes of progress.

''Personally I'm very disappointed with Manchester United and Middlesbrough for not allowing us to play the loan players,'' Jenkins moaned.

''We're paying their wages in full and yet we're being dictated to about what competitions they can play in.

''The clubs are doing us no favours when not playing them could end up costing smaller clubs like us hundreds of thousands of pounds.

''It is also robbing the players of the chance to experience different competitions for at least another 12 months and in my opinion it's certainly one of the flaws of the loan system.''

Jenkins continued: ''It is a must for us that we progress in both the cup competitions because of the financial rewards on offer and I see this week as the most important of the season so far.

''We need to keep interest in the club going until the New Year and then we can focus on the league.

''The injury problems we've had, which nobody can do anything about, have hampered our progress this year which is very frustrating. But I don't think we can keep going on about them.

''Every club has got injuries and we can't use them as an excuse. The players who are available at the moment must grasp the chance to make things happen.''

Jenkins is unhappy after three home games without a goal and four without a win. But it is not only the lack of recent on-field success at the Vetch that is annoying him.

The club face the prospect of a heavy pay-out to former youth boss Wayne Powell if a tribunal starting next week finds against them guilty of constructive dismissal, while problems with stewarding and sponsorship are also taking their toll.

''There are a variety of things that I'm not happy about."

''We took over this club when it was fighting for its life. We're just getting on our feet again, but now lots of little things are making everybody's jobs harder,'' he added.

''We've got a tribunal coming up which potentially is going to cost us a lot of money. That's the last thing we need and we're not happy that it's ever come to this stage.

''And last Saturday it came to light that a senior female steward was letting people into the Bristol Rovers game for nothing - that's robbing the club of income and it makes me sick.

''Then there have been problems with certain sponsors too. I'm not talking about loyal companies like The Travel House and Taylor Tiles, but there are others who say they want to sponsor us and then don't pay their bills.

''I ask them how they expect us to continue to pay players' wages when they don't pay us.''

With two home games to come in the next four days, Jenkins did have some positive words to say - about Swansea's supporters.

''Along with the new signings, they helped us last year when we were in danger of getting relegated. They can make a difference, and we call on them to stick with us through this frustrating period as they have done so far.''

BRIAN FLYNN believes Swansea City are capable of reaching the latter stages of this season's LDV Vans Trophy.

The Swans embark on a cup double header tonight when they entertain managerless Southend in a second round match that will have a low-key feel about it.

But that is certain to change if Flynn's men, who host Rushden & Diamonds in the FA Cup at the weekend, can trigger a winning sequence that takes them to the Millennium Stadium.

And Swansea's ambitious director of football is quietly confident of LDV glory.

"I'd like to think we have it in us to go on a good cup run," said Flynn. "We're the kind of team you can imagine doing that."

He added, "People might say there's more importance attached to the FA Cup in the respect of the financial benefits a good run can bring.

"That's obviously important to us and we'll be desperate to beat Rushden at the weekend.

"But if you're talking about winning things, you'd have to say the LDV Vans is more important and we want to get as far as we can in it."

Flynn will entrust a changed line-up with securing safe passage to the third round.

Rookie goalkeeper Brian Murphy is expected to be given a run out and there could be a long-awaited comeback for gout victim James Thomas in attack.

Youngsters like Richard Duffy, Stuart Jones and Richard Jones are also in line for starting places against the Third Division strugglers.

Southend parted company with manager Steve Wignall yesterday after the club endured a poor run of results in his brief five-month spell in the Roots Hall hot-seat.

Former Shrimpers manager David Webb has been invited to take charge of the team at the Vetch tonight.

Swansea (from): Murphy, Jenkins, Tate, Duffy, Iriekpen, S Jones, Howard, Britton, Wilson, Robinson, Durkan, Thomas, Nardiello, R Jones, Coates, O'Leary, Freestone, Nugent

BRIAN FLYNN paid tribute to Bristol Rovers' defensive work after Swansea City drew a third successive blank at home.

"It was hard to play against," said Swansea's director of football. "They defended well, got numbers behind the ball and didn't give us any space to work into.

"We had a couple of good opportunities and the block at the end was magnificent defending from them. Andy Robinson is clinical in those situations and it looked a goal all the way."

On Swansea's indifferent home form over the last month, Flynn added, "It's been a bit patchy. We haven't played as well as we have done at home.

"Unfortunately we're just going through a little period where things are not happening for us here. But, saying that, we're winning away from home."

BRIAN FLYNN is not one for rash promises.

So when Swansea City's thoughtful director of football says his side will be in the Third Division's Christmas hit parade you know he has every confidence in his B-list acts.

"We'll be in the top six at Christmas - I know that," said Flynn, perhaps turning a blind eye to the evidence of the past month and a treatment room where space must be tighter than a phone box.

"Come December, I'm certain we'll have everybody raring to go for the busy period. I'd like to think we'll pick it up where we were early in the season.'"

Less than five weeks ago Swansea were top of the Third Division pile. Despite wins at Leyton Orient and Rochdale since then, the Swans have dropped to fifth as a crippling injury list has taken its inevitable toll.

The early-season goal rush has vanished along with the summer sunshine. No wins in four home games and scoreless in the last three are the bald facts.

Such a drought is easy to appreciate when you look at some of those on the sidelines - Lee Trundle, Roberto Martinez, Brad Maylett, Karl Connolly and James Thomas.

In short, most of Swansea's creative players and even Leon Britton, reporting a sore back, failed to emerge for the second half of a drab Severnside derby with Bristol Rovers.

At least, Alan Tate's arrival and his instant rapport with the blossoming Izzy Iriekpen give the Swans solidity at the back and have stopped them falling too far off the pace.

But the return of the A-team can't come quick enough, especially 11-goal marksman Trundle who Flynn says might just make Saturday's FA Cup tie with Rushden & Diamonds.

"It was a bit patchy and we haven't played as well as we have done at home," said Flynn. "Unfortunately, we're just going through a little period where things aren't happening for us here at the Vetch.

"People will obviously point the finger that we're missing Lee Trundle and anyone would miss him. He was on fire before his injury and his partnership with Kevin Nugent was as good as anything around in our division."

Young Manchester United loanee Daniel Nardiello has manfully tried to fill the Trundle gap in the last two games, but the 21-year-old has quickly found the difference between the FA Premier Reserve League and the Nationwide League.

The likes of battle-weary pair Christian Edwards - excelling on his Vetch return nearly six years after moving on - and Adam Barrett have a certain charm and view it as a personal affront should they be breached.

"It was hard to play against," accepted Flynn. "They defended well and got numbers behind the ball and didn't really give us any space to play into.

"We need to get good service into Danny and give him opportunities in the box because he'll score goals if we can do that.

"He is a natural goalscorer. Danny's a bright lad and it's his first taste of league football. I'm sure he'll adjust."

The arrival of November meant winter's yellow ball was taken out of storage, but it might have been a sounder bet to find one with a bell in it so the strikers could have heard it coming.

None of the quartet on view could master their guardsmen, although Rovers youngster Lewis Haldane hinted at embarrassing Swansea when the half-chance came his way.

Kieron Durkan twice found space to test Kevin Miller but the Rovers goalkeeper showed angles are his speciality to be in the right place.

Nugent and Mark Wilson also failed to hit the target as Swans worked the better openings, but the scoreless outcome that looked likely inside the opening quarter was confirmed 10 minutes from time.

Andy Robinson, marking his return from a foot injury with an industrious display, wriggled clear to unleash a low shot that would have troubled Miller but for the brave combined block of Edwards and Barrett.

Rovers manager Ray Graydon would have been delighted with such diligence. But, then again, he probably had the right idea by staying at home in bed with the flu.

FORMER Vetch hero Christian Edwards shut out the Swans - and then headed home for an ear-bashing from his dad!

The Caerphilly-born stopper made his first Vetch appearance since a £275,000 move to Nottingham Forest in March 1998 and celebrated it with a second successive Bristol Rov- ers clean sheet.

But after keeping Swans strike pair Kevin Nugent and Daniel Nardiello quiet all afternoon Edwards knew there was a more difficult opponent waiting at home.

"All my family and friends were in the Swansea end," said the 27-year-old Swans fan.

"They'll probably say well done. But my dad will have his say and he's normally got a different view to me."

Edwards signed a three-year deal at Rovers in the summer after not quite hitting the heights at Forest and going out on loan at Bristol City, Oxford, Crystal Palace and Tranmere.

But he said his heart has always been at the Vetch and that he is delighted things have turned around at the club.

"I'm a Swansea fan and when I left they were in a heal- thy situation," said Edwards.

"They've had some miserable years but I'm pleased Brian Flynn has turned it around. I'm hoping they do well and if we get promotion alongside them that'll be double delight.

"Swansea's is always the fir- st result I look for and it's a club that is dear to my heart.

"I had a few chants of 'Swansea reject' but you're going to get that and I was delighted to get a standing ovation from the North Bank at the end."

Edwards won a solitary full Wales cap - during Bobby Gou- ld's reign in Switzerland in 1996 - and accepts that his in- ternational days are over.

"They are long gone," he said. "I've had my day and I'm very happy with what I had.

"What Mark Hughes is doing is fantastic and you've got good young players like Daniel Gabbidon at Cardiff.

"Those type of things come along if you've got so many injuries, but I'm in the Third Division and don't regard myself as good enough to play at international standard."

On Rovers' backs-to-the-wall exercise where he produced a crucial block late on with central defender Adam Barret to deny Andy Robinson, Edwards added, "'Those blocks are about being in the right place.

"You just fling yourself in the way of the ball. Graham Hyde said to me as soon as those blocks were made that we were going to get something.

"To come away from a top team like Swansea with a point is very satisfying."

Brian Flynn will hope FA Cup week brings some magic to the treatment room after Swansea City missed their tricks again in the Third Division. All at Vetch Field, most of all Flynn, are sick of talking about it, but the fact remains that a lengthy injury list which shows few signs of shortening continues to cast a shadow over the club.

On Saturday, just as had been in the case in the two previous home games, Swansea failed to find the net thanks in no small part to the absence of their most creative players.

This time Lee Trundle, Brad Maylett, Roberto Martinez and Karl Connolly were all out, while Leon Britton was withdrawn at the break because of a back problem which might have forced him out of the game altogether.

The line about other players coming into the side and taking the opportunity to shine is now wearing thin.

The truth is that without their top attacking performers, Swansea are not a force that will have leaders Hull looking over their shoulders.

Flynn's side have failed to win their last four games at the Vetch having been so irresistible on home soil in the first six weeks of the campaign.

Then they looked capable of trailblazing their way to the Second Division, now new-look, less pretty Swansea appear fairly average, just like so many other teams in the Nationwide League basement.

Gone, only for the moment Flynn hopes, are the days of demolishing whatever opposition arrived in South Wales, as his side did in August and September.

''In the first five home games of the season we played well, entertained the fans and scored plenty of goals,'' Swansea's director of football said.

''We were beating teams well at the Vetch, but unfortunately we are just going through a period now where things aren't happening for us at home.

''Bristol Rovers were hard to play against, they got people behind the ball and didn't allow us any space.

''And though we didn't intend for it to happen, at times we went direct and were a little bit one-dimensional.

''I'm sure people will again point at Lee Trundle's absence, and you have to say that anybody would miss him. Lee was on fire before the injury and his partnership with Kevin Nugent was as good as any.

''But we didn't get enough good service into Kevin or Danny Nardiello. If we can provide Danny with the opportunities, he will score us a few goals because he is a natural.''

Nardiello, making his home debut having joined on loan from Manchester United, hardly got a kick against a stubborn, well-organised Rovers defence.

After Izzy Iriekpen had volleyed awkwardly over the top, one flash of skill from the Old Trafford youngster almost created a goal for Kieron Durkan but his shot was beaten away by Kevin Miller.

Though 18-year-old front-runner Lewis Haldane was often a menace for Iriekpen and Alan Tate, it was the visitors'' back-line who were the busier. Nugent, Durkan and Mark Wilson all had second-half sighters, before Nardiello's penalty appeal was rejected by the irritating Premiership referee Andy D'Urso.

Though few of his decisions changed the course of game, his apparent total ignorance of the advantage rule had many of the 7,536 crowd howling with frustration.

D'Urso was the whistler famously chased round the Theatre of Dreams by Roy Keane and his red marauders. Though it never arrived, a repeat performance by either set of players would have come has little surprise.

For all their frustration, Swansea could not blame the loss of two more points on the Essex official.

That was down partly to a lack of guile going forward, partly to some wayward finishing and most of all, perhaps, to some heroic defending by the former Swansea player Christian Edwards.

When Nardiello flashed the ball across the penalty area to the excellent Andy Robinson with 10 minutes left, celebrations had almost begun in the home dugout.

But Edwards lunged desperately in front of Swansea's most dynamic midfielder to divert his goalbound shot and the stalemate was sealed.

''You have to say it was a magnificent piece of defending,'' Flynn added.

''Andy Robinson's energy got him into the box and he is clinical in those situations. It looked a goal all the way, and for me it was a chance they saved rather than we missed.''

For Robinson, who was struggling with flu before the game and spent almost an hour afterwards trying to get the waterworks flowing for a Rio Ferdinand-style drug test, Edwards's block was the low point of an exasperating afternoon.

''I took the ball inside with my first touch and hit it as sweetly as I could have hoped,'' he said.

''The defender did a great job and that saved the game for them.''

Caerphilly-born Edwards, whose Swans-supporting family were in with the home fans, added: ''It was the best chance of the game and I was in the right place just to fling myself in the way.

''I'm glad it was 0-0 - that means I can be pleased for Swansea and pleased for myself.

''Brian Flynn seems to have turned things round here which I'm really pleased about as a Swansea fan who counts this as my club. If we can get promoted alongside Swansea this year I'll be doubly delighted.''

That would do nicely for Flynn, too, along with a bit of a cup run ideally.

With Tate, Nardiello and Wilson definitely out of next weekend's first round, some long-awaited good news from the physio may be required for the latter to come true.

Swansea City head into this week's cup double-header with boss Brian Flynn insisting he has no worries about their dip in league form. Flynn's injury-plagued side failed to score for the third straight home game in Saturday's stalemate with Bristol Rovers - the fourth consecutive Vetch Field contest they have failed to win.

But with three victories and a draw from the last five away matches, Swansea's director of football declared: "We'll be in the top six by Christmas, I know that.

"Though we haven't done as well again as we did earlier in the season at home, we've got another valuable point and we're picking up plenty away from home.

"All credit to the lads who have been available. They've dealt with the injury situation when the squad has been stretched not just to the limit but to the outer limit.

"By the beginning of December I'm certain we'll have everyone fit and raring to go for the busy period.

"The majority of players will be back involved and we will pick it up again where we left off earlier in the season.

"In the meantime, I'm sure the players who are fit now can keep the momentum going.

"We weren't fluent against Bristol Rovers, but we still wanted the ball which is exactly what I want. All we needed then was that little bit of magic and it didn't quite come."

With Alan Tate, Danny Nardiello and Mark Wilson all unavailable for next Saturday's FA Cup first-round clash with Rushden & Diamonds, Swansea are hoping Lee Trundle (knee ligaments) and James Thomas (gout) can win their battles for fitness.

There is an outside chance that club skipper Roberto Martinez (also knee) could also return this weekend.

With all his injury concerns, Flynn could do without tomorrow night's LDV Vans Trophy second-round tie against Southend in FA Cup week.

But he said: "We've got to look forward to the FA Cup because it's got that bit of magic about it."

Swansea are considering signing a goalkeeper on loan later this month to cover for current No. 2 Brian Murphy. The Irish Under-20 stopper could be absent for four weeks because of the World Youth Championship.

Supporters are reminded that under-16s will be admitted free tomorrow night if they are accompanied by an adult.

Senior citizens wishing to sit in the Centre Stand must purchase a ticket from the club shop beforehand.

IT'S an unwritten rule in football that former players will come back to haunt you.

And ex-Swan Christian Edwards made sure he adhered to the letter of the law with a goal-saving tackle to deny the Swans a much-needed home win.

His general performance was good enough in itself to snuff out the laboured Swansea attack but it was that stop which had Swans' fans cursing his name after the bore-draw.

With the game in its final stages and Brian Flynn's men at last showing some signs of stopping the recent Vetch Field drought, Andy Robinson was perfectly placed to smash the Swans ahead and virtually guarantee the win.

But Edwards' heroics ensured it is the third home game in a row without a goal ... and without a win for Flynn's injury-ravaged side.

Roberto Martinez was the latest name added to the casualty list before the game with a recurrence of his knee ligament injury and he joined Karl Connolly, Lee Trundle, James Thomas, Leon Hylton and Brad Maylett in the stands.

Robinson returned to the midfield following his enforced spell out of the action while Alan Tate and Daniel Nardiello made their first appearances in South Wales after their temporary switch from Old Trafford.

One man who didn't show up was Rovers' boss Ray Graydon, deciding not to make the short trip across the Severn because of a severe dose of flu.

And judging by the early exchanges, he made the right decision as both sides failed to produce any fluency in their moves, something not helped by Premiership referee Andy D'Urso's over-exuberance with the whistle.

But eventually both sides began to carve out chances from the midfield tussle, Dave Savage and Rob Quinn not taking advantage of the space handed to them by some slack Swansea marking.

It was the hosts though who started to look the better of the two sides as the half progressed and Izzy Iriekpen and Keiron Durkan both stretched the Rovers' defence on the back of some neat Swansea interplay after 20 minutes.

But Rovers weathered the passing storm and began to stamp their own mark on the contest just before the break though Lewis Haldane's end product could not match his threatening runs.

If the sizeable home support had hoped for a similar tempo after the restart they would have been left wanting as the Swans again took their time to gather momentum.

They found sympathisers in the large travelling contingent from Bristol as the visitors too showed no signs of breaking the on-going stalemate.

Former Bristol City frontman Kevin Nugent had no joy from Edwards nor Mr D'Urso as he tried his best to make something of the barrage of hopeful balls launched up to the front line.

And with a back problem forcing Leon Britton's early withdrawal, the last spat of creativity in the Swansea side was long gone, ensuring Nardiello never received the type of ball needed if he was going to make an impact on his home debut.

As time went on, Swansea woke up to the fact another three points were about to escape them and they finally worked their way through the gears.

Durkan, for all his failings on the wing, forced a second save from Kevin Miller in the Rovers' net with a low drive, encouraging his teammates to try their luck.

And they must have thought their luck was in when Nardiello looked to have been brought down inside the area by Edwards only for D'Urso to uncharacteristically refuse to put his whistle to his mouth.

It would have been particularly harsh on Edwards if the decision went the other way as he and captain Adam Barrett had marshalled the visiting back-line time and time again with apparent ease.

And the Caerphilly-born stopper's determination to make sure his homecoming was a happy one was illustrated on 61 minutes with a brilliant block on Andy Robinson with the midfielder ready to pull the trigger only yards from Miller's net.

A pressing run from Wilson had the visitor's defence in disarray and when the ball found its way to the unmarked Robinson, not many would have bet against the former non-league man finding the back of the net.

But Edwards flung himself at the feet of the normally-clinical Robinson to stop an almost certain score.

And the former Wales international was again on-hand to throw himself at the ball as a desperate scramble in the box almost gave Swansea a late winner with just minutes left on the watch.

KEVIN NUGENT'S mobile phone hasn't stopped ringing all week.

Swansea City striker Nugent lives across the Severn Bridge in Bristol and he has been a man in demand ahead of today's Severnside derby with Bristol Rovers at the Vetch.

"I've got a lot of friends who support both City and Rovers and the banter is good," said Nugent, who made more than 50 appearances for Bristol City between September 1995 and August 1997.

"I went to watch Bristol City play Southampton in the Carling Cup on Tuesday and quite a few people came to up me. They were all saying, 'Make sure you score against the Gas (Rovers are known locally as the Gasheads).'

"The phone has also been ringing a lot in the build-up to the game and it adds that little bit of spice to it."

Nugent, now 34, has a good track record against Rovers in a Football League career that has spanned nearly 450 appearances for Leyton Orient, Plymouth, Bristol City, Cardiff and Swansea.

"Having played for Bristol City I do tend to get a bit of stick from the Rovers fans," said Nugent.

"But I was back at City a few years ago, so it's nice that they still remember me. I take it as a compliment.

"Last year I scored against them for Leyton Orient and I wasn't flavour of the month when they were struggling and Swansea started to climb the league. But the City fans were delighted!"

Nugent has been an unsung hero at the Vetch this season with Lee Trundle and Leon Britton grabbing most of the headlines.

But Swans boss Brian Flynn knows Nugent's all-round worth as a targetman who is the focal point for many of his side's attacks.

"I'd like to be scoring more goals but the team's winning and that's the most important thing," said London-born Nugent, who has scored four times in 16 games.

"I know strikers are judged on their goals but for me it's about helping the team getting results."

Nugent has also had to contend with playing alongside different partners this term as Trundle, James Thomas and Andy Robinson have all suffered injuries at some point.

And last Saturday, in the 1-0 win at Rochdale, Nugent linked up with on-loan Daniel Nardiello and adopted a deeper role as the 21-year-old from Manchester United looked to run behind defenders.

"Myself and Trunds have struck up a nice partnership and I missed him in the couple of games that he wasn't there," admitted Nugent.

"But hopefully I can link up well with Danny, even though he's got a different style to Trunds.

"Some people you're fortunate to just click with and that was the case with Trunds.

"Danny's a different player, although similar to James Thomas who makes fantastic runs. Trunds gets it into his feet and produces little bits of skills to get behind people.

"Danny and Tommo make the runs behind and then wait for the pass. You have to tinker with your game, depending on who you're playing with, but you can only change so much.

"But when you do play with someone like Danny you can play a little bit deeper. When the opposition drops deeper I can come a little bit shorter and receive the ball that way."

Nugent's career has been blighted by some long-term injuries but he is not surprised he is still going and working hard to earn another Vetch contract at the end of season.

In fact, he insists the injuries might have actually helped extend his playing career.

"I'm not surprised that I'm still playing," he said. "I've never been one to have niggly injuries.

"I've either had ones where I've played on and waited until the summer to be operated on or tackles that have kept me out for six months.

"But, looking at it on the positive side, perhaps those injuries have given me a six-month break from legwork.

"It might have actually prolonged my career - and I've heard similar things before.

"I would love not to have had those injuries but there might be a positive side as well."

Nugent, however, has had some treatment this week after tweaking knee ligaments early on at Rochdale.

"I felt it on Sunday but I've trained OK," he said.

"I don't want to miss games because I'm playing to earn a contract. I know that, but it's no point harping on about it.

"The only way I can do that is by playing well and concentrating on the next game.

"Things have gone well since I came here at the end of January and the number of points we have picked up since then has been amazing.

"I feel fine generally and I probably savour the games and everything around football more because you know it's not going to last for ever.

"It's a fantastic life that you shouldn't take for granted. I love getting on the pitch into physical battles and waking up the next morning hobbling about a bit.

"It's something I know I'm going to miss at the end of my career."

SWANSEA CITY boss Brian Flynn has urged his side to stay on the coat-tails of Third Division leaders Hull City.

The Swans are five points behind Peter Taylor's pace-setters and Flynn believes maintaining that distance is the key to at least a play-off spot come May.

"There's some good Third Division sides this season but it's impossible to identify who will be there at the end," said director of football Flynn.

"But if I make a major statement now it would be that if you stay within five points of Hull then you will be in the play-offs.

"I hope they don't run away with it (the league) but you would think that Hull would take one promotion place.

KEVIN NUGENT'S mobile phone hasn't stopped ringing all week.

Swansea City striker Nugent lives across the Severn Bridge in Bristol and he has been a man in demand ahead of today's Severnside derby with Bristol Rovers at the Vetch.

"I've got a lot of friends who support both City and Rovers and the banter is good," said Nugent, who made more than 50 appearances for Bristol City between September 1995 and August 1997.

"I went to watch Bristol City play Southampton in the Carling Cup on Tuesday and quite a few people came to up me. They were all saying, 'Make sure you score against the Gas (Rovers are known locally as the Gasheads).'

"The phone has also been ringing a lot in the build-up to the game and it adds that little bit of spice to it."

Nugent, now 34, has a good track record against Rovers in a Football League career that has spanned nearly 450 appearances for Leyton Orient, Plymouth, Bristol City, Cardiff and Swansea.

"Having played for Bristol City I do tend to get a bit of stick from the Rovers fans," said Nugent.

"But I was back at City a few years ago, so it's nice that they still remember me. I take it as a compliment.

"Last year I scored against them for Leyton Orient and I wasn't flavour of the month when they were struggling and Swansea started to climb the league. But the City fans were delighted!"

Nugent has been an unsung hero at the Vetch this season with Lee Trundle and Leon Britton grabbing most of the headlines.

But Swans boss Brian Flynn knows Nugent's all-round worth as a targetman who is the focal point for many of his side's attacks.

"I'd like to be scoring more goals but the team's winning and that's the most important thing," said London-born Nugent, who has scored four times in 16 games.

"I know strikers are judged on their goals but for me it's about helping the team getting results."

Nugent has also had to contend with playing alongside different partners this term as Trundle, James Thomas and Andy Robinson have all suffered injuries at some point.

And last Saturday, in the 1-0 win at Rochdale, Nugent linked up with on-loan Daniel Nardiello and adopted a deeper role as the 21-year-old from Manchester United looked to run behind defenders.

"Myself and Trunds have struck up a nice partnership and I missed him in the couple of games that he wasn't there," admitted Nugent.

"But hopefully I can link up well with Danny, even though he's got a different style to Trunds.

"Some people you're fortunate to just click with and that was the case with Trunds.

"Danny's a different player, although similar to James Thomas who makes fantastic runs. Trunds gets it into his feet and produces little bits of skills to get behind people.

"Danny and Tommo make the runs behind and then wait for the pass. You have to tinker with your game, depending on who you're playing with, but you can only change so much.

"But when you do play with someone like Danny you can play a little bit deeper. When the opposition drops deeper I can come a little bit shorter and receive the ball that way."

Nugent's career has been blighted by some long-term injuries but he is not surprised he is still going and working hard to earn another Vetch contract at the end of season.

In fact, he insists the injuries might have actually helped extend his playing career.

"I'm not surprised that I'm still playing," he said. "I've never been one to have niggly injuries.

"I've either had ones where I've played on and waited until the summer to be operated on or tackles that have kept me out for six months.

"But, looking at it on the positive side, perhaps those injuries have given me a six-month break from legwork.

"It might have actually prolonged my career - and I've heard similar things before.

"I would love not to have had those injuries but there might be a positive side as well."

Nugent, however, has had some treatment this week after tweaking knee ligaments early on at Rochdale.

"I felt it on Sunday but I've trained OK," he said.

"I don't want to miss games because I'm playing to earn a contract. I know that, but it's no point harping on about it.

"The only way I can do that is by playing well and concentrating on the next game.

"Things have gone well since I came here at the end of January and the number of points we have picked up since then has been amazing.

"I feel fine generally and I probably savour the games and everything around football more because you know it's not going to last for ever.

"It's a fantastic life that you shouldn't take for granted. I love getting on the pitch into physical battles and waking up the next morning hobbling about a bit.

"It's something I know I'm going to miss at the end of my career."

Match Guide

Swansea City
Probable: Freestone, Jenkins, Howard, Tate, Iriekpen, Britton, Wilson, Robinson, Durkan, Nugent, Nardiello.
Subs (from): Murphy, O'Leary, Johnrose, Coates, S Jones, R Jones, Duffy.
Player to watch - Daniel Nardiello: The 21-year-old loan striker from Manchester United stands by for his home debut as he seeks his first senior goal.
What they say - Leon Britton: "We've had three bad results at home and we need to put that right."

Bristol Rovers
Probable: Miller, Parker, Edwards, Barrett, Anderson, Williams, Savage, Hyde, Quinn, Tait, Rammell.
Subs (from): Boxall, Austin, Haldane, Bryant, Uddin, Clarke
Player to watch - Christian Edwards: Ex-Swans defender makes return nearly six years after joining Nottingham Forest for £275,000
What they say - Rovers goalkeeper Kevin Miller: "You must get results at decent teams if you want to do anything in this division."

Form guide: Swansea have taken only two points from their last three at home but won at Rochdale last week. Rovers have drawn their last two and not won in four.
Bookie's corner: Swansea to win 4-6; Rovers to win 7-2; Draw 12-5.
Mouth-waterer: Swans new boy Daniel Nardiello to score first goal in a 3-0 win, 33-1

FANS' favourite Leon Britton has revealed how he emerged from a Swansea City form slump.

Britton was the star man during the early weeks of Swansea's campaign as the twinkled-toed West Ham product bewitched Third Division defences.

But the 21-year-old former England Youth midfielder has this month suffered a downturn in form that coincided with some disappointing Swansea home performances.

But Britton was back to something approaching his best during last Saturday's 1-0 win at Rochdale. His effervescent show was almost capped by a second-half goal after a trademark step-over bamboozled the home defence.

Britton now hopes to repeat that form against Bristol Rovers tomorrow and repay the faith of boss Brian Flynn who took him aside when he was feeling blue.

"I spoke to the manager when things weren't going so well for me," revealed Britton, who agreed a two-year deal in the summer after starring on loan from the Hammers during Swansea's relegation battle last season.

"He said to me, 'Don't worry about it, every player has a dip in form over the season'.

"He just told me to keep doing the things I was doing when I was playing well and that my form would come back."

After such an electric start to the season that won him many admirers, the skilful Britton admits he was puzzled when his form drained away.

Britton was aware that youngsters often go through such periods but he insists that the experience will make him a better player.

"I know myself and the fans know that I haven't been playing as well as I can," he said.

"I did get a bit down after a few games because I wasn't playing that well.

"I was thinking to myself 'Why am I not playing well?' - and it does start to really play on your mind.

"I've been doing everything the same as what I'd normally do when I've been playing well.

"Maybe I'd had a couple of bad games and my confidence had gone down.

"But I've just carried on and tried to get out of it. On Saturday, I just cleared my mind and relaxed. I went out there and enjoyed it.

"I was pretty pleased with my performance and felt I was back to how I can play.

"As the game developed I could feel my confidence coming back. When things go well in the beginning of the games it starts to build your confidence up. I'm hoping to take that into the next few games."

On his season, Britton added, "It's my first full season playing first-team football and that was probably the first real dip in form I've had.

"It's been a bit strange but I believe these things make you a better player and a better character.

"To come back from things like this toughens you up."

And Britton has got experienced midfield partners to help him on the pitch.

"I've got some very good players - like Roberto Martinez and Mark Wilson - around me, they're good ball players.

"Mark's played in the Champions League (at Manchester United) and had good experience and Robbie's played in La Liga as well.

"They've both played top-flight football, so to have these players around me in the Third Division is really good.

"I've played every game this season, so it's been nice not to have a midweek game this week.

"But we've got a busy period coming up with LDV Vans and FA Cup matches and hopefully myself and the rest of the lads can stay fit through that period and improve further."

The captaincy injury jinx at Swansea has struck again with new skipper Roberto Martinez ruled out for four weeks after suffering a knee injury in training.
The Spanish midfielder has only just returned to the side after 10 matches out following ligament damage to the same knee.

"It happened at the end of training which is obviously frustrating for him,'' Swansea director of football Brian Flynn told the South Wales Evening Post. ''He just struck a ball and felt the ligament again.''

Martinez suffered the original damage back in August, shortly after being named captain in place of the injured Jason Smith.

Smith announced his retirement last week after giving up his long-term battle with ankle injury, and the captaincy armband was handed to Martinez.

Third-choice skipper Lenny Johnrose has also been in and out of the team with hamstring trouble.

In better news for the Swans, Andy Robinson has made good progress with his foot injury and could be available for Saturday's game against Bristol Rovers.

Star striker Lee Trundle has also been back on the training ground after his knee damage and could return against Rushden & Diamonds in the FA Cup a week Saturday.

SWANSEA CITY'S injury jinx has struck again with skipper Roberto Martinez ruled out for four weeks.

The influential Spanish midfielder suffered a knee injury in training on Wednesday and an examination yesterday revealed further ligament damage.

Martinez has only just returned to the side after missing 10 matches with the same injury, suffered against Boston on August 22.

Martinez has been joined on the sidelines by top goalscorer Lee Trundle, Brad Maylett, Karl Connolly and James Thomas among others and - only last week - club captain Jason Smith was forced to retire because of a long-term ankle problem.

LEE TRUNDLE provided Swansea City boss Brian Flynn with an unexpected fitness boost yesterday and could now return for the club's FA Cup tie against Rushden & Diamonds.

The 11-goal top scorer suffered what he thought was knee cartilage damage in the 2-1 win at Leyton Orient on October 11 and feared he would be out for between six and eight weeks.

But Trundle has now been told he could be playing again within four weeks of sustaining the injury and yesterday he reported no serious reaction from striking balls for the first time since the Orient game.

"The consultant gave me the all clear to resume training and I've come through some running tests this week," said the Liverpool-born striker.

"I've stepped that up with some ball-striking and turning and I felt OK. It stiffened up a bit towards the end of training but that's only natural with me being out for a couple of weeks.

"It's coming along well and that's pleasing because the last thing I wanted with the run of form I've been in was to be out for a couple of months."

The home cup tie with Second Division Rushden & Diamonds in nine days time comes exactly four weeks after the Orient game but Trundle remains cautious about setting a comeback date.

"I don't want to put a time limit on it," he said. "I don't want to let myself or people down if I say I'll be back next Saturday and then feel it's not right.

"I'm just going to take it day by day and see how it goes. Hopefully I'll be back soon and I'd love to make the Rushden game because it's brilliant to be playing in the FA Cup."

And Flynn said he would not throw Trundle back into the fray before he was ready.

"He's trained well but it's the first day he's done that," said Flynn.

"We will certainly not rush Lee. I know from experience that you have good days and bad days - he's had a good day today but players can have reactions.

"But we've been told that recovery is four weeks from the time of the injury and hopefully he'll keep building up fitness. I would think he is an outside chance for the Rushden cup tie."

Flynn has received another lift before Saturday's league visit of Bristol Rovers with Andy Robinson likely to be available for selection.

The versatile Robinson, so impressive since he joined the Swans last summer, has been troubled by a foot injury but some padding on the damaged area has corrected the problem.

However, influential skipper Roberto Martinez, who has just returned from a lengthy absence, is a doubt for Saturday after tweaking his knee in training yesterday.

Loan signings Alan Tate and Daniel Nardiello have been refused permission to play against Rushden & Diamonds as Manchester United do not want the pair cup-tied.

Flynn has yet to hear whether his other loan player - Middlesbrough midfielder Mark Wilson - will get the go-ahead to figure in the first round tie on November 8 but he is fearing the worst.

"I'm waiting for a reply from Steve McClaren (Middlesbrough manager) but I'm not expecting good news," he said.

"As a manager, if I'm truthful, I wouldn't expect anything else."

SWANSEA CITY boss Brian Flynn hopes to have his on-loan stars available for the FA Cup tie with Rushden and Diamonds.

The Swans have been ravaged by an injury crisis and several first-team players - including top goalscorer Lee Trundle and winger Brad Maylett - will certainly miss the visit of Second Division Rushden on November 8.

But Flynn hopes to call on Middlesbrough midfielder Mark Wilson and Manchester United pair Alan Tate and Daniel Nardiello for the first round tie.

"I've got to ask the question whether we can play them against Rushden," said Flynn.

"I'm hoping they will be available but I don't know if that's the case at the moment.

"We're pleased with a home draw but we know it's going to be a tough game.

"But we did particularly well down there last year in a live Sky TVgame and hopefully we can repeat that."

INJURY-CURSED Kieron Durkan believes he has the perfect chance to finally prove himself at Swansea City.

Durkan has been plagued by fitness problems since joining the Swans from Rochdale in January.

The 29-year-old wideman played only six games in the club's Football League survival mission last season because of achilles trouble and has made just a handful of starts this season because of knee trouble.

But, with Swansea's injury crisis almost deepening by the minute, Durkan was pressed into action in Saturday's 1-0 victory at Rochdale and managed to get nearly 80 minutes under his belt.

And you could almost sense the relief in his voice after he had taken a significant step towards full fitness and trying to fill the gap left by Brad Maylett's hamstring injury.

"It was great to play nearly a full game," said Durkan, a veteran of more than 260 league games at Wrexham, Stockport, Macclesfield, York (on loan) and Rochdale.

"It's all hands to the pump at the moment. As we get one back there's another going into the treatment room. You have to try and take your chance to play.

"I have to try and build my fitness up and stay in the team. Hopefully we will keep winning and then when Brad comes back I can put a bit of pressure on him."

Durkan admits he has had a difficult time since re-joining his former Wrexham boss Brian Flynn for the second half of Swansea's survival fight last season.

And he even wondered whether he would be able to accept the offer of a contract at one point.

"When I first came here I had the achilles injury and just could not get rid of it," he said. "I knew when I came back for pre-season training I had to prove that my achilles was OK.

"Richard Evans (Swansea physio) gave me a programme for the summer. I kept in touch with him and I worked hard fitness-wise.

"I was just hoping it wouldn't flare up again and luckily it didn't. I got my contract and it hasn't been a problem since then."

Having beaten one injury, however, Durkan suffered a knee problem that prevented him from forcing his way into a revived Swansea set-up

"It was a niggling injury and at one stage it looked as if I might need an operation," he said.

"Fortunately it hasn't worked out that way and I am building my fitness up.

"I just need a good few weeks training behind me and I'm working hard. But there's no substitute for playing games.

"The injuries have been frustrating because all you want to do as a footballer is play.

"The atmosphere at the club is great and I want to be a part of that by making a contribution."

And, apart from the service he provides for the likes of Kevin Nugent, Lee Trundle and, now on loan striker Daniel Nardiello, from wide areas, Durkan is something of a good luck promotion charm.

"I have been fortunate throughout my career," said Durkan, who has won promotion with Wrexham, Stockpot and Macclesfield and made the play-offs with Rochdale.

"I've played in a few teams that have gone up and you can definitely see us being there or thereabouts this season.

"We've got Lee and his goals to come back and we've got a decent squad.

"We definitely have a chance and hopefully I can play my part in the team being successful."

WHEN you've been compared to Ruud van Nistelrooy and average more than a goal a game for Manchester United reserves no wonder Swansea City's new No 28 is suddenly the centre of attention.

Throw in a will-he-won't-he international mystery and Daniel Nardiello - who counts Sir Alex Ferguson as his club manager and Wales boss Mark Hughes as a smitten suitor - is not your ordinary Division Three footballer.

But for all Nardiello's youthful endeavour and 20-20 vision in creating Mark Wilson's early winner it was another fresh-faced son of Old Trafford that helped Swansea put a nightmare week behind them.

Just a few days after Jason Smith finally called time on the fight to save his career, Alan Tate - 27 games on loan last term - reminded the Swans faithful what an accomplished central defender he is. And by the end of a tense affair it was all Tate and smiles as Swansea went some way to making up for dropped home points against Kidderminster and Cambridge.

"It was easy settling back into the team," was Tate's assessment of a defensive display that earned Swansea's first away clean sheet of the season.

"The back four were talking well, but defensive work starts from the front and Kevin Nugent and Danny worked hard to close them down.

"It was easier than when I first came down into the team. I know all the lads now and it's not a problem slipping back in.

"It's a different kind of pressure this year, not about a big club at this level going out of the Third Division. But I wanted to go out and play first-team football and I love being at Swansea.

"I'm not getting near United at the minute and we'll have to see what happens there. But we're stronger than last year and there's no reason why we can't go up.

"Rochdale threw everything at us but we seemed to be able to cope with it well. They didn't have any clear-cut chances and it was a pretty good performance."

This time, of course, Tate has United colleague Nardiello - a player whose finishing skills he has compared to Dutch master van Nistelrooy - for company at the Vetch and the two combined in the first half as the Wales-qualified striker went in search of his opening league goal.

"I managed to get that one out of the locker," Tate quipped about a 40-yard pass that wouldn't have looked out of place at the Theatre of Dreams a short M60 ride from Rochdale's Spotland home.

"Nardy and myself have played together since we were 14 or 15. It's something that we've worked on over the years. He comes short and spins and I try to hit him.

"You wouldn't believe how many times it's worked in the 17s, 19s and the reserves at United and it almost worked again.

"Things didn't happen for Dan as he didn't get a clear-cut chance. But his work-rate was a bonus and if the goals aren't there he's still going to play for the team."

For Nardiello it was always going to be difficult stepping into the shoes - if not the Magic Daps - of injured 11-goal marksman Lee Trundle. Nardiello couldn't respond with a debut goal, but he did manage a classy assist after Swansea had instantly taken the contest by the scruff of the neck with some crisp passing from midfield.

As Roberto Martinez began to exert calm authority in his deep-lying role, Leon Britton - simmering again after going off the boil in recent weeks - and Wilson carried a genuine offensive threat.

Britton gave Wilson a third-minute sight of goal, which was stopped by Welsh goalkeeper Neil Edwards, before the latter profited from Nardiello turning Daryl Burgess and pulling back a cute cross. The finish matched the smooth approach play as Wilson found space inside Edwards' near post for his second Swansea goal.

After threatening to run riot in the opening exchanges Swansea, who had penalty appeals turned down when Britton tumbled, then conceded the initiative but Rochdale lacked the cunning to conjure an equaliser.

Leo Bertos belatedly asked some questions down Swansea's left flank, but Roger Freestone was perfectly protected as Tate and the ever-improving Izzy Iriekpen - potentially the best defensive axis in Division Three - reigned supreme.

"It's important we perform like that because we'll score goals," said Swans boss Brian Flynn, content that his side had soaked up second-half pressure without appearing as if they would lose a goal.

"It was important to bounce back after taking only one point from two home games. We feel we have done that well."

Brian Flynn has pledged to make Daniel Nardiello a Welshman after he kicked off his Swansea City career in style at Rochdale on Saturday. The on-loan Manchester United striker, maker of Mark Wilson's winning goal at Spotland, is a target for Wales boss Mark Hughes.

Born in Coventry, Nardiello qualifies to play for Hughes's team through dad Donato, a former Welsh international.

So far the 21-year-old has yet to commit himself to any country - something Flynn hopes to change during his loan spell at Vetch Field.

''I'll be working on him,'' Swansea's 66-cap director of football declared. ''I want good players to play for Wales and Danny's a good player, so I'll do my best.''

Nardiello, who impressed with some threatening runs and smart touches in Swansea's Rochdale success, indicated that he could be open to persuasion.

He said: ''Mark Hughes has been on the telephone to me and I told him I was just going to keep my options open for the moment.

''I'm going to try to sort out my domestic career by getting settled somewhere and scoring some goals, then I will decide about internationals.

''I may end up playing for Wales - they've been doing really well lately and I hope they make it to Portugal. I've been supporting them.''

A combination of good footwork and composure in the penalty area saw Nardiello create a fine goal for Wilson just 16 minutes in on Saturday.

Having gone in front, Swansea held on with relative ease thanks to some stubborn defending by fellow United loan player Alan Tate and fit-again Roberto Martinez.

''It was vital for us to bounce back after not winning in two home games,'' said Flynn.

''And to come away from home and win well was key psychologically.

''I thought both the loan lads did very well and it was good to have Roberto back as well.

''He gives us composure and defensive awareness in midfield and I think he made more tackles than anybody else in the game.''

There was more good news for Swansea just after the final whistle, when they were drawn at home to Rushden & Diamonds in the FA Cup first round.

Last season's Third Division champions, who twice drew with Swansea last season, will come to the Vetch on November 8 for what will be a third straight home game for Flynn's side after next Saturday's league clash with Bristol Rovers and the Tuesday night LDV Vans Trophy tie against Southend.

''You're pleased with any home draw,'' he added, ''and having done well at Rushden on Sky last year, we'll hope for a similar performance.

''With three home games in a row, it should be a good week.''

Flynn has yet to discover whether Wilson, on loan from Middlesbrough, and United duo Tate and Nardiello will be given permission to play in the FA Cup by their clubs.

Wrexham face a difficult first-round tie at Yeovil.

High-flying Swansea kept themsleves on track for at least a play-off place after comfortably seeing off Dale at Spotland.


A great start from the visitors saw Daniel Nardiello, on loan from Manchester United, have two shots blocked in the first ten minutes.

With 16 minutes gone, Nardiello surged down the right and crossed for Mark Wilson, on loan himself from Middlesbrough, to score from six yards.

Nardiello, full of confidence after scoring 12 times for United's reserves before switching to Swansea, inspired the visitors, while Dale's main threat came from Chris Shuker, another man on loan, but from United's rivals, Manchester City.

Shuker provided Dale's only real bright spots, but it was Swansea's loan pair of Nardiello and Wilson that really caught the eye.

Nardiello came close to doubling his side's lead in a quiet second-half, but Swansea ran out worthy winners to maintain their push for promotion.

Rochdale's followers roared with approval when news that the big boys down the road had lost at home on Saturday but, predictably perhaps, Manchester United had the last laugh at Spotland. Or at least a couple of their young pretenders and one Old Trafford academy graduate did.

Debutants Alan Tate and Danny Nardiello plus Middlesbrough's made-in-Manchester midfielder Mark Wilson were in their alternative guise as Swansea City players.

And at a club which lives firmly in the shadow of the Theatre of Dreams, the three loan stars gave the locals an unneeded and unwelcome reminder of the wealth of talent that lies a few miles along the M60.

Tate was outstanding, Nardiello very promising and Wilson all together more convincing with new club skipper Roberto Martinez back to conduct proceedings in the centre of midfield.

''We've had to go down the loan route because of the injury situation,'' said boss Brian Flynn, ''and the lads who've come in all did very well for us.

''Bringing the two young lads in gave us a boost and I felt it showed. It just gave us the spark we needed having lost the previous game at home.

''Tatey had to be close to man of the match. The fortunate thing for him is that he knows all about us having been at the club last season and he slotted in superbly well.

''And I was very pleased with Danny as well. His runs are very bright. He gets on the shoulder of the last defender and wants to get in behind which gives us another option.

''He gets himself into very good situations and on another day he could have had a couple of goals. ''They will soon start coming because he is a natural goal-scorer.''

Nardiello, signed on loan for a month along with Tate 24 hours before the trip to Rochdale, was heavily involved in the contest's key moment just 16 minutes into his Football League career.

The 21-year-old striker flummoxed Dale defender Daryl Burgess with a sharp turn on the edge of the box, surged to the byline and, after weighing up his options rather than centring to nobody in particular, pulled the ball back to Wilson.

The man who made United £1.5million when he switched to The Riverside, enjoying arguably his best game in six weeks as a Swansea player, supplied a decisive first-time finish which gave some indication as to why Boro splashed their cash.

''Mark's a good player,'' enthused Flynn, "he broke into the box late and scored what was a very good goal.''

There were further chances at both ends, but with Tate in command at the back and Martinez protecting the back four, Roger Freestone was far from overworked.

''I didn't get the goal I wanted on my debut but I did well for the winner so I'm pleased with the performance,'' Nardiello said.

''I was surprised how good a footballing side Swansea are - there are a lot of good players in the midfield and at the back and I thought we did okay up front.

''There were supposed to be a few clubs interested in taking me on loan, but once I'd spoken to Tatey I had no doubts about coming to Swansea.

''He told me how good it was at the club last year - he didn't want to come back to Manchester at the end of the season - and hopefully I'll love it as much as he did.''

The Coventry-born son of former Welsh international Donato has 12 goals in 10 United reserve games this season and, though he never seriously tested Dale keeper Neil Edwards on Saturday, the signs of more rewards to come in front of goal were there.

''I'm a player who likes to make runs behind the defence and the plan is to score as many times as possible while I'm at Swansea,'' he added.

''Lee Trundle has got loads of goals and if I can come anywhere close to matching him then I'll be well pleased.''

Ah, Trundle. Remember him?

A second straight away win had cheered the 340-strong away following after two miserable home matches and, for the first time almost since his summer switch from Wrexham, nobody was talking about Swansea's injured inspiration.

Well not much anyway.

''I've never played with him, but I've seen on the telly that he's scored a hatful of goals,'' said Tate, whose last Swansea appearance came in the pulsating final day victory over Hull back in May.

''We've shown what we are capable of by beating Rochdale, and with him to come back there's no reason why we can't go up this year.

''In the second half of last season we were in play-off rather than relegation form and I think the squad is stronger now than it was then.

''There's a different kind of pressure on us now, but it is nice to come into a team that isn't struggling.

''It's not a big club in danger of going out of the league, it's one chasing promotion to the Second Division. That's the way it should be.''

For now Swansea are happy in fourth place in the table, nicely placed to challenge pacesetters Hull when - and if - they get something close to a fully fit squad to choose from.

''It's good that nobody is mentioning Lee because we don't want to be classed as a one-man team,'' added Flynn.

''Of course we will miss him, but it's up to others to take the responsibility to score goals.''

The Trafford three, you sense, should at least provide one or two.

LOAN signing Daniel Nardiello will continue to keep his options open over his international future.

The Coventry-born Manchester United striker qualifies for England and Wales, for whom his father Donato was an international colleague of Swansea City boss Brian Flynn in the 1970s.

Wales manager Mark Hughes has been impressed by Nardiello's form for the United reserves this season - 12 goals in 10 appearances - and wants the 21-year-old to commit to the Dragons.

But Nardiello said, "I'm just going to keep it open for the time being and try and sort out my domestic career.

"Mark Hughes has been on the phone and asked me what I'd like to do. But I've told him that I'll decide later after I get settled somewhere and score some goals.

"You never know what's going to happen. It is an option for me there and Wales are really doing well.

"Hopefully they'll qualify for the European Championship finals next summer and I am supporting them."

Nardiello showed flashes of his precocious talent on his Football League baptism at Spotland, although the route to goal was blocked by doughty Rochdale defending.

He was also frustrated by Dale's efficient offside trap, but he provided a decisive contribution when he turned defender Daryl Burgess and crossed for Mark Wilson - a former team-mate at United - to claim the winner.

"I would like to have scored on my debut, but I set up Willo for the goal and I was pleased with the performance," said Nardiello.

"I had a game for United reserves on Thursday (He scored in a 2-0 win over Wolves) and the gaffer spoke to me about coming to Swansea.

"It's the first time I've been on loan and played a game in the League and I enjoyed it.

"They seem a great bunch of lads. There's some quality players in there and if I keeping on making the runs - and they feed me like they did here - then next time I'll hopefully get a goal.

"There were supposedly a few clubs in for me but I had no doubts about Swansea. Tatey (Alan Tate) told me how good it was and I know that they play good football.

" I've scored plenty of goals for the reserves at United and now I want to bring that to Swansea."

SWANSEA manager Brian Flynn has pledged to nudge borrowed Manchester United raider Daniel Nardiello towards the national side.

The canny Swans boss swooped for on-loan defender Alan Tate and the highly-rated Nardiello from Old Trafford on Thursday evening.

Nardiello, 21, is the son of Donato Nardiello, an ex-winger for Coventry City who gained two caps for Wales against Czechoslovakia and West Germany in the late Seventies.

The Coventry-born starlet was involved in the Swans clash with Rochdale at Spotlands yesterday.

And Wales manager Mark Hughes is known to be keeping a watching brief on the youngster.

Sparky sees the powerful Nardiello as capable of playing a vital role in Wales's future.

The striker has fired 12 goals for United's reserves already this campaign. And Flynn said: "I'll be doing my best to persuade Daniel that his allegiance is with Wales.

"I knew his father Don - he was a flying winger during his playing days.

"I met with him on Thursday evening. I hadn't seen him for years, but he seemed very enthusiastic about Daniel coming down to Swansea.

"Maybe the culture and people of South Wales will make an impression on Daniel.

"If it does, Mark Hughes will be happy because the boy is a very promising talent."

WHEN you've been compared to Ruud van Nistelrooy and average more than a goal a game for Manchester United reserves no wonder Swansea City's new No 28 is suddenly the centre of attention.

Throw in a will-he-won't-he international mystery and Daniel Nardiello - who counts Sir Alex Ferguson as his club manager and Wales boss Mark Hughes as a smitten suitor - is not your ordinary Division Three footballer.

But for all Nardiello's youthful endeavour and 20-20 vision in creating Mark Wilson's early winner it was another fresh-faced son of Old Trafford that helped Swansea put a nightmare week behind them.

Just a few days after Jason Smith finally called time on the fight to save his career, Alan Tate - 27 games on loan last term - reminded the Swans faithful what an accomplished central defender he is. And by the end of a tense affair it was all Tate and smiles as Swansea went some way to making up for dropped home points against Kidderminster and Cambridge.

"It was easy settling back into the team," was Tate's assessment of a defensive display that earned Swansea's first away clean sheet of the season.

"The back four were talking well, but defensive work starts from the front and Kevin Nugent and Danny worked hard to close them down.

"It was easier than when I first came down into the team. I know all the lads now and it's not a problem slipping back in.

"It's a different kind of pressure this year, not about a big club at this level going out of the Third Division. But I wanted to go out and play first-team football and I love being at Swansea.

"I'm not getting near United at the minute and we'll have to see what happens there. But we're stronger than last year and there's no reason why we can't go up.

"Rochdale threw everything at us but we seemed to be able to cope with it well. They didn't have any clear-cut chances and it was a pretty good performance."

This time, of course, Tate has United colleague Nardiello - a player whose finishing skills he has compared to Dutch master van Nistelrooy - for company at the Vetch and the two combined in the first half as the Wales-qualified striker went in search of his opening league goal.

"I managed to get that one out of the locker," Tate quipped about a 40-yard pass that wouldn't have looked out of place at the Theatre of Dreams a short M60 ride from Rochdale's Spotland home.

"Nardy and myself have played together since we were 14 or 15. It's something that we've worked on over the years. He comes short and spins and I try to hit him.

"You wouldn't believe how many times it's worked in the 17s, 19s and the reserves at United and it almost worked again.

"Things didn't happen for Dan as he didn't get a clear-cut chance. But his work-rate was a bonus and if the goals aren't there he's still going to play for the team."

For Nardiello it was always going to be difficult stepping into the shoes - if not the Magic Daps - of injured 11-goal marksman Lee Trundle. Nardiello couldn't respond with a debut goal, but he did manage a classy assist after Swansea had instantly taken the contest by the scruff of the neck with some crisp passing from midfield.

As Roberto Martinez began to exert calm authority in his deep-lying role, Leon Britton - simmering again after going off the boil in recent weeks - and Wilson carried a genuine offensive threat.

Britton gave Wilson a third-minute sight of goal, which was stopped by Welsh goalkeeper Neil Edwards, before the latter profited from Nardiello turning Daryl Burgess and pulling back a cute cross. The finish matched the smooth approach play as Wilson found space inside Edwards' near post for his second Swansea goal.

After threatening to run riot in the opening exchanges Swansea, who had penalty appeals turned down when Britton tumbled, then conceded the initiative but Rochdale lacked the cunning to conjure an equaliser.

Leo Bertos belatedly asked some questions down Swansea's left flank, but Roger Freestone was perfectly protected as Tate and the ever-improving Izzy Iriekpen - potentially the best defensive axis in Division Three - reigned supreme.

"It's important we perform like that because we'll score goals," said Swans boss Brian Flynn, content that his side had soaked up second-half pressure without appearing as if they would lose a goal.

"It was important to bounce back after taking only one point from two home games. We feel we have done that well."

It was a good day for the top six with five of them recording wins, with Swansea closing the gap following a 1-0 success at Rochdale courtesy of Mark Wilson's 16th-minute effort.

Andrew Holt, Danny Allsopp and Stuart Green were all on target as Division Three front-runners Hull City disposed of Lincoln 3-0 at the KC Stadium to register their 10th win of the season.

Holt struck seconds before half-time before Allsopp (52) and Green (80) sealed the points to take advantage of second-placed Oxford's goalless draw at home to Bristol Rovers.

The Tigers' cushion is now four points as Doncaster Rovers moved ahead of Oxford after their 2-0 win at Kidderminster.

Gregg Blundell (16) and Chris Brown (60) made it five successive league wins for Rovers.

It was a good day for the top six with five of them recording wins, with Swansea closing the gap following a 1-0 success at Rochdale courtesy of Mark Wilson's 16th-minute effort.

Conference champions Yeovil continued their fine form with a 4-1 win at Cambridge as Jake Edwards (16 & 59) hit a brace and Kevin Gall and Darren Way also found the net after Dave Kitson (44) had given the home side some hope at 1-1.

That result helped them maintain fifth place ahead of Mansfield, who ran out 4-0 winners at home to Cheltenham as Liam Lawrence scored early and late penalties which sandwiched a brace from Colin Larkin.

Huddersfield moved into seventh place thanks to their 2-0 home success over Carlisle, Andy Booth and Jonathan Stead the goalscorers.

Torquay slipped to eighth after being hammered 4-0 at Boston, where Neil Redfearn (4) and Lee Thompson (61) put them 2-0 up before two goals in the last nine minutes from substitute Peter Duffield.

Bury enjoyed a 3-1 win at Darlington despite falling behind to Craig Liddle's fourth-minute goal.

Gareth Seddon ensured half-time parity before Lee Connell and on-loan Leeds midfielder Harpal Singh wrapped up the points.

Southend moved up one place to third-bottom after a 2-1 win at 10-man Macclesfield. Leon Constantine and Jay Smith's penalty put them in control after Michael Welch's 26th-minute sending-off and Colin Little's 90th-minute goal was a mere consolation.

Gary Alexander's 89th-minute effort snatched a point for Leyton Orient after Joshua Low had given visiting Northampton the lead, while the sendings-off of York's Jonathan Parkin and Scunthorpe's Steve Torpey in separate incidents was the only action of note in the goalless draw at Glanford Park.

Swansea made a disappointing FA Youth Cup first round exit. They were edged out at Torquay and so missed out on a home tie against Chelmsford City in the next round of the competition.

The Swans made a stunning impact to go in front after only 12 minutes when a Steve McNabney goalmouth cross was seized on by Matthew Roberts who promptly fired in at the far post.

Six minutes later, the young Swans were denied a second goal with a Jamie Rewbury shot being cleared off the Torquay goal-line by defender Nick Skinner.

Swansea had a real let-off on the stroke of half-time when Dean Stevens caught the defence wrong-footed and it required a quality save from Ryan Harrison to deny the Gulls an equaliser.

Midway into the second period Mark Pritchard, who made his Nationwide League debut against Cambridge United on Tuesday night, released Roberts who burst forward only to hook the ball just beyond the top corner angle of the goal-frame.

In the 84th minute, the Devon side were handicapped, having Jake Crush sent off for a second yellow card offence following a foul on substitute Liam Preece.

Preece had already been booked for a late challenge on Kevin Davies after 36 minutes.

Despite that problem, Torquay continued to look the more likely to equalise and they gained a late reward to take the game into an extra 30 minutes with a stoppage time goal from Tom Clerk.

The Swans failed to respond to that devastating leveller and, with Torquay maintaining a positive grip on the game, Robert Perry claimed the winner following an electrifying 40-yard burst into Swansea territory during the 103rd minute to loop the ball over the oncoming Harrison.

Swansea: Harrison, Davies, Surman (Griffiths 114th min), Smith, Harrington, Rewbury, McNabney (Preece 73rd min), Bond (Powell 106th min), Pritchard, Evans, Roberts. Subs not used: Letheren, M. Thompson.

Referee: A. Rodda (Exeter).

TWO-GOAL MARK GUIDES YOUNG SWANS TO SECOND WIN

In-form Mark Pritchard scored two first-half goals for the young Swans to set up a victory in their Umbro Isotonic South West Conference league match against a lively Plymouth side at Fairwood. It took Swansea only nine minutes to make the breakthrough when visiting defender John Routledge made a poor clearance on the edge of the penalty area.

Pritchard was quick to snap on to the opportunity to drive in a shot which goalkeeper Lewis Seeley managed to punch away, but Pritchard was well placed to send the ball crashing back into the net.

Ten minutes later Pritchard almost increased Swansea's lead but Seeley fisted the Tredegar-based player's shot away to safety.

Pritchard continued to be a handful for the Plymouth back line, and he added a second goal in the 22nd minute after an Antonio Corbisiero shot had rebounded off the crossbar.

Ten minutes before half-time, attacking full back Kevin Davies picked out Steven Evans in the penalty area but he headed narrowly wide.

Plymouth were denied an opener when Ryan Harrison superbly turned a Marcus Martin free-kick around the post after 55 minutes. But from Mark Rowbotham's corner kick Dan Bulley squeezed the ball in from close range.

On the hour Pritchard was inches away from his hat-trick when he fired into the side netting following Matthew Roberts's pass.

Swansea made it 3-1 on 64 minutes from a free kick after Pritchard had been fouled by Wayne O'Sullivan and Corbisiero brilliantly sent the ball into the top corner of the net from 25 yards .

At the other end, Harrison prevented substitute Andy Watkins from bringing Plymouth back into the contest with a quality reflex save.

But Harrison was beaten in the 77th minute when Stewart Yetton blasted in a penalty after Luke Harrington had brought down Tom Entwistle.

"We certainly continued our good form following the recent league cup triumph at Oxford," said Swansea's head of youth development Alan Curtis, "and we were good value for the win.

"I knew that a 2-0 scoreline at half-time was not going to be enough and it was very disappointing to let Plymouth back into the game after the interval.

"Thankfully, Antonio Corbisiero scored a terrific free kick, and really we should have built on that, but we were sloppy in the second half and finally hung on in the end."

SWANSEA CITY U19s: Harrison, Davies, J. Thompson, Smith, Harrington, Rewbury, Corbisiero, Evans, Pritchard, Roberts, Waters. Subs not used: Preece, Griffiths.

REFEREE: P. Brown (Taunton).

Lee Trundle could be back playing for Swansea City in four weeks. The striker saw specialist surgeon Dai Rees in Oswestry yesterday and the consultant orthopaedic surgeon, who has treated top Premiership players, says the news on Trundle's injury is better.

An MRI scan had suggested that Trundle had suffered cartilage damage to the knee he injured against Leyton Orient two weeks ago, as well as the ligament problem.

That diagnosis sparked fears that the Third Division's top scorer could be sidelined for eight weeks.

But club physio Richard Evans has painted a brighter picture.

''I spoke to Mr Rees yesterday and he says Lee should be back in training in two to three weeks,'' said Evans. ''That means he could be back playing a week after that.

''Mr Rees examined Lee and found no signs of cartilage damage at all. He just said to keep the treatment up as we have been doing. It just depends then how well Lee responds to that treatment. But the outlook is looking brighter.''

The news from the specialist brought some cheer for director of football Brian Flynn ahead of this afternoon's clash at Spotland with Rochdale.

''Any news like that has to be good news,'' he said. ''Obviously we would like Lee back with us and playing again sooner rather than later.''

As reported in the Evening Post yesterday, both Alan Tate and Daniel Nardiello completed their moves to the Vetch on loan and went straight into the side today.

Meanwhile, Swansea's second-round clash with Southend in the LDV Vans Trophy has been confirmed for Tuesday, November 4 at Vetch Field with a 7.45pm kick-off.

qGwilym Joseph has become a technical director at Vetch Field.

He has been technical adviser to the club for the past 14 months, representing Swansea with other directors on the White Rock Stadium project.

He will continue to represent the club in future meetings.

One of the most experienced builders and engineers in South Wales, he held the post of chairman and managing director of eight companies, including Rees and Kirby Ltd and Combined Builders Wales Ltd.

qAlan Curtis leads his All Star XI in a charity match against Remploy at Ve tch Field tomorrow to raise funds for the renal unit at Morriston Hospital.

Entry to the Centre Stand costs £2 and children can get in for free for the 1pm kick-off.

Next week's women's international friendly between Wales and Portugal at Vetch Field on Tuesday (7.30pm) also has a £2 entry to the Centre Stand, while pensioners and children will get free entry.

Both Wrexham and Swansea have tricky ties against Nationwide League opposition in the FA Cup first round.

Wrexham will travel to the West Country to face Yeovil who are currently fifth in their first season in the Nationwide League Division Three. As a non-league outfit they had one of the most feared giant-killing records in the history of the FA Cup.

Swansea, meanwhile, have a home tie against Division Two opponents Rushden and Diamonds, themselves relative newcomers to the Football League and with their own giant-killing legacy.They did lose 2-3 at home to Wrexham earlier today and currently lie 16th in Division Two.

Ties to be played weekend of 8th/9th November. The full draw for the first round of the FA Cup is:

Lincoln City v Brighton Peterborough v Hereford Oldham v Carlisle Cheltenham v Hull Yeovil v Wrexham Macclesfield v Boston Grays Ath or Margate v Aldershot Scarborough v Doncaster Barnet v Stalybridge Blackpool v Boreham Wood Wycombe v Swindon Lancaster City v Cambridge Utd East Thurrock or Woking v Histon Bournemouth v Bristol Rovers Eastbourne or Stevenage v Stockport Grantham Town v Leyton Orient Thurrock v Luton Northampton v Plymouth Tranmere v Chesterfield Hornchurch v Darlington Scunthorpe v Shrewsbury Torquay v Burton Albion Accrington Stanley v Huddersfield Grimsby v QPR Notts County v Shildon Brentford v Farsley Celtic or Gainsborough Kidderminster v Northwich or Halifax Southend v Mangotsfield or Canvey Island York v Barnsley Port Vale v Ford United Mansfield v Bishop Stortford Sheff Wed v Salisbury City Farnborough Town v Weston Super Mare Chester v Exeter or Gravesend Telford or Tamworth v Crawley Town Colchester v Oxford Utd Bradford PA v Bristol City Bury v Rochdale Swansea v Rushden & Diamonds Hartlepool v Bromsgrove or Whitby.

SWANSEA CITY might be keeping a close eye on new Merthyr Tydfil striker Lee John - but the Martyrs have no plans to let him slip from their grasp, writes Ian Hunt.

John has only been at Penydarren Park for just over a week after joining the Dr Martens Premier League outfit from Welsh Premier side Haverfordwest.

The 19-year-old has looked impressive in his first two Martyrs matches - the 2-1 defeat against Moor Green last weekend and the 3-1 midweek reverse at Stafford Rangers.

And assistant manager John Relish, urging his side to bounce back from those two successive defeats when they travel to third-placed Nuneaton Borough this afternoon (3pm), hopes John has a big future at Merthyr.

"I think he could make it at this level," said Relish. "He has done well so far and already he is bedding in and getting to know people.

"Swansea City are keeping an eye on him. I know they are keen on monitoring his progress.

"But we see him as one for the future here. I don't see any reason why he could not become a firm favourite with the fans."

Merthyr have not lost more than two games on the trot this season and Relish insists concentration will be needed to ensure that is still the case at 4.45pm this afternoon.

"Our players are always 100% committed, but we'll have to make sure we're fully focused as Nuneaton are a strong, physical side."

Leon Britton hopes tomorrow's return to Rochdale will see him bounce back to form. The ex-West Ham man is in the midst of a first sticky patch since leaving London for South Wales 10 months ago.

And after a personal dip that has coincided with Swansea City's slump in results, fingers are crossed that heading back to Spotland will help inspire a change in fortunes.

Though Hull at home on the final day will always be remembered, Rochdale away seven days earlier was arguably the more impressive success as Swansea scrambled for Nationwide League survival last spring.

A gutsy performance was rewarded when Britton crossed for Marc Richards 20 minutes from the end to give Flynn's men a 2-1 victory.

Relegation rivals Carlisle also won at Torquay, as did Exeter at York on a gripping afternoon when Swansea's success was the result which kept their heads above water going into the final week.

"I remember that game vividly," said Britton.

"We needed a result desperately and, even though Rochdale is a tough place to go, we managed it.

"It's going to be difficult again for us tomorrow because they are a decent side and we've got a few injuries.

"At the start of the season we were flying, but things have gone a bit flat for us as a team and me personally.

"I haven't played as well as I would have liked in the last three or four games and I've spoken with the manager about it. I think you are always going to have spells when you are not in form, I've just got to snap out of it as quickly as I can and get back to the way I know I can play."

Britton was not the only midfielder below his best during this week's double disappointment against Kidderminster and then Cambridge.

Mark Wilson, on loan from Middlesbrough, is not having the impact consistently that Flynn would have hoped, Jon Coates was far from his best on Tuesday and Lenny Johnrose did not have his finest game last weekend.

Roberto Martinez, recuperating from his knee problem, arrived from the bench in both games, and the sooner he is able to start a match the better.

"Roberto controls games - he gets us playing and passing," Britton added.

"That suits me down to the ground because he is able to find me, though I don't think it's just down to his absence that we've had a couple of bad results.

"Yes, we've got a lot of injuries, but we had plenty earlier in the season and we still managed to get the points.

"It's down to the lads who come in to do well. Youngsters like Antonio Corbisiero and Mark Pritchard haven't let us down when they've been involved and they'll have to keep doing the job now. We need to get our heads down as a squad, pull together and start getting some results because we want to stay in the top six."

Meanwhile, there is still room on the on the official travel club coaches going to Rochdale tomorrow.

The cost is £17 for members and £19 non-members and coaches leave Morriston Cross at 7.30am and the Quadrant at 7.45am. For further details contact the club shop or 07876 133428.

Swansea City boss Brian Flynn has pulled off another major transfer coup with the capture of Manchester United duo Alan Tate and Daniel Nardiello. And the double boost has come just at the right time for a club reeling over the news that top-scorer Lee Trundle could be out of action for another two months.

Tate and Nardiello, both 21, were due to put pen to paper on initial one-month loan deals today and will go straight into Flynn's side to face Rochdale tomorrow.

Centre-back Tate returns to Vetch Field after his successful seven-month stay last season, when he missed just one first-team game through suspension.

Striker Nardiello, son of Flynn's former Welsh international team-mate Donato, leaves Old Trafford for the first time on loan having scored his 12th goal of the season for United's reserves in their 2-0 win over Wolves last night - a game which Swansea's director of football watched.

Unlike Tate, the Coventry-born forward has played in Sir Alex Ferguson's first-team - and with some style.

His fleeting appearances in last season's Worthington Cup attracted the attention of Wales boss Mark Hughes, who has tried - in vain so far - to persuade Nardiello to play for the land of his father rather than his birth.

''I am absolutely delighted to get these two,'' said Flynn.

''There were other clubs interested in Daniel. He's quick and brave and is a natural goalscorer.

''I played with his dad in 1977 and he was at the reserve game last night - maybe I got a little bit of help from him to persuade Daniel to join us.

''And everybody knows what Alan is capable of. He played a pivotal part in making sure we stayed up last season.''

More good news for Swansea is the return of Andy Robinson and Kris O'Leary from injury tomorrow, but the Trundle setback remains a major blow.

A scan has revealed damage to cartilage as well as ligaments in the 11-goal forward's knee and he is now facing up to between six and eight weeks on the sidelines.

Added with the injuries to Brad Maylett, who will be out for six weeks with a torn hamstring, and James Thomas, whose problems with gout show no sign of easing, the loss of Trundle leaves Flynn with a shortage of attacking options even after Nardiello's arrival. But despite a run of just one win in five matches, the Swansea boss delivers an upbeat message.

''People will say losing Lee is hammer blow, but they said the same when Roberto Martinez got injured. Yes we all agree Lee has been a key player for us because of the goals he has scored, but we are no one-man team.

''We have not hit the heights without Lee this week. I think the injury situation caught up with us a bit, but the new boys will improve the squad.'

SWANSEA CITY'S unbeaten home record was shot down as Cambridge dangerman Dave Kitson tore Brian Flynn's men apart with a double strike at the Vetch last night.

The Swans got off to a nightmare start when striker Kitson put the visitors in front with one of the fastest goals scored at this ground - after just 22 seconds.

Swansea carved out numerous first-half chances and, with 17-year-old Mark Pritchard performing well on his debut, there was an improvement on Saturday's dismal display against Kidderminster.

But, on a night when the presence of top scorer Lee Trundle was again sorely missed, the Swans failed to discover any real spark after the break and Kitson took advantage of some slack defending to claim his second and seal the points for Cambridge after 59 minutes.

Compounding Swansea's misery is the fact the number of walking wounded rose yet again last night.

Brad Maylett, who had only just returned from a lengthy spell on the treatment table, was stretchered off after 42 minutes with a suspected hamstring injury following a grim challenge with United's Stuart Bimson.

It leaves Flynn with a massive selection headache for Saturday's clash at Rochdale, especially with leading scorer Lee Trundle a big doubt for the trip to Spotland.

But what's new? As it was, Swansea had gone into last night's tie with not one, but two more first-teamers falling victim to the injury crisis that refuses to go away.

It was clear Andy Robinson would miss the match after picking up a foot problem against Kidderminster but, bizarrely, it only emerged last night that defender Kris O'Leary picked up a back complaint in that match too.

Flynn resisted the temptation to gamble on the fitness of Roberto Martinez, choosing instead to go with Jonathan Coates in midfield and switch Lenny Johnrose to centre back.

Cambridge's own teenage pretender, former Aston Villa trainee John Turner, was missing with a calf problem, meaning United's 38-year-old manager John Taylor picked himself again having come out of retirement to address his side's striker shortage.

With the scoreboard reading just 22 seconds, the U's nipped in front, leading scorer Dave Kitson producing a delightful lob over Roger Freestone that Johnrose and Izzy Iriekpen could not stop from trickling over the line.

Shellshocked, the Swans went in search of an immediate equaliser and within a frantic 12-minute spell they had five good chances. First Pritchard, showing good early touches, threaded a pass through to Nugent and the striker forced a good save from keeper Shaun Marshall before a Brad Maylett drive was cleared off the line.

On 10 minutes the unmarked Coates placed a header too close to Marshall and a minute later a stunning 25- yard effort from Pritchard drew an impressive fingertip save.

There was another scare for United in the 36th minute when Marshall slipped in his goalmouth, almost allowing Nugent to put Swans ahead.

For all their possession, though, the Swans could not force a first-half equaliser and the sight of Maylett being stretchered off three minutes before the break further dampened Swansea spirits.

Kitson should have put Cambridge 2-0 up on the stroke of half-time when he found himself in space in the area, but he placed his shot straight at Freestone.

Despite Swansea making a bright start to the second half, it was the dangerman Kitson who struck again in the 59th minute.

Picking up a long ball down the right flank, Taylor fed Kitson and the blonde hitman found the net after turning Iriekpen.

Manager Flynn sent on Martinez and little Leon Britton scampered forward on several occasions, but without Trundle to provide the tricks there was something missing up front and Swansea ran out of ideas.

Supporters started to wander off with 15 minutes to go, though the Swans almost pulled a goal back when a Kieron Durkan cross struck United defender Andy Duncan on the head and hit the post.

Brian Flynn today paid tribute to Jason Smith after Swansea City's club skipper retired from the game through injury. Smith, 29 last month, has finally given in having failed to shake off the pain in two and a half years since first damaging his ankle.

On his day - though they have been few and far between since the problems began - Smith was widely regarded as one of the most dominant central defenders in the Third Division.

And Flynn's regard for Smith as a dressing room leader was obvious after he gave him the armband in the midst of Swansea's dire spell last Christmas.

''I liked Jason as a player and as a captain,'' Flynn said. ''It's important to have a captain-manager relationship and I made Jason mine because he was captain material.

''But he feels his ankle can no longer stand up to the pressures of professional football and this is a devastating time for him.

''It's tough for any player who has to retire before the age of 30."

With Smith gone, Flynn has installed Roberto Martinez as Swansea's new skipper.

And with only Kris O'Leary and Izzy Iriekpen now left in his squad, the Vetch Field director of football conceded that he would now have to look for a new centre-back in the transfer market.

The more pressing concern for Flynn, though, is his lack of forwards ahead of tonight's home clash with Cambridge.

Andy Robinson has joined Lee Trundle and James Thomas on the sidelines after bruising his foot late in Saturday's goalless draw with Kidderminster, while Brad Maylett was today facing a late fitness test on a slight knee problem picked up in the same game.

Winger Kieron Durkan (knee) is back in contention, but without Maylett Flynn's only realistic option up front seems to be to partner 17-year-old novice Mark Pritchard with Kevin Nugent.

''Mark has been involved with the first-team squad this season,'' said Flynn, ''and as everybody knows, I'm not afraid to pitch in young players. I am considering starting with him.''

Depleted Swansea must also decide whether to include Martinez from kick-off after he returned as a substitute from two months out over the weekend, something they are loathe to do given his lack of match fitness.

Third-placed Swansea may need their Spanish star. Though tonight's visitors are in mid-table, they share the joint best away record in the division with leaders Hull having lost only one of their seven away games this season.

''It's an impressive record,'' Flynn added, ''but we aim to make it read a little worse.

''Kidderminster came with a game plan to defend and got a point because we couldn't break them down. We've got to solve that problem tonight.''

Swansea, meanwhile, have made further progress over Trundle's proposed one-year contract extension, though nothing has been finalised yet.

Jason Smith today told of the heartbreak he feels after accepting defeat in his 32-month battle with ankle injury. Swansea City's club captain, who turned 29 last month, has called time on his professional career after four operations and two and a half seasons wrecked by continual problems.

The imposing centre-back is a talent gone to waste.

He was an integral part of the Swansea side which won the Third Division title back in 2000 but has not reached the same heights since first injuring his ankle in an LDV Vans Trophy tie with Brentford on Valentine's Day 2001.

Smith says the real damage was done when he was stretchered off during the 2-1 win at Stoke three weeks later.

"That was the one that really killed me," the former Coventry trainee said.

"Ever since then my range of movement hasn't been what it was and I've suffered problems.

"It's got to the stage now where I can't do it as a professional anymore, not to the level that's required every day.

"I thought after the operation this summer that I would finally be okay, but once I missed pre-season I realised that things weren't looking good.

"I can't train properly so I can't get fit enough to play, and I don't want to hang around all season and then get released next summer."

Signed by Alan Cork in June 1998 for £10,000 from non-league Tiverton Town, Smith did not miss a game in his first two seasons in South Wales under the stewardship of John Hollins.

The Bromsgrove-born defender made 166 appearances in all for the club, scoring nine goals and preventing many more.

"I've had some great times since moving to Swansea," he added.

"My first two years at the club were an absolute dream. I'd come to a fantastic club in a fantastic city with 15 or 16 great lads as team-mates.

"I scored at West Ham and then we won the championship - they're great memories.

"And the most disappointing thing is that there should be more to come. I should be coming into my prime now and staying there for the next five years.

"I've been playing since I was 15, and all that time has been about developing as a player and a person for my best years.

"To have them taken away is heartbreaking.

"And not being able to lead Swansea out when a management team as respected as Brian Flynn and Kevin Reeves had made me their captain is devastating.

"I wanted to do what Cus (Nick Cusack) did - to lift the Third Division trophy for Swansea because that's what this squad is capable of achieving.

"People who saw me play when we won the title know that back then I was quick, strong, agile and sharp. I'm not that player now because of injury, and that hurts."

Smith, who gives a special mention to Vetch physio Richie Evans, has been on the first-team bench this season but last played at Leyton Orient in April.

He now plans to get his football coaching badges - as well as going to university - and hopes to land a role training the stars of the future at the Vetch.

"My girlfriend and I are very happy in Swansea and we plan to stay here," he added.

"I've made some great friends through the club - Michael Howard and Kris O'Leary who are still here and lads like Matthew Bound, Julian Alsop and Martin Thomas who've moved on now.

"I'll still be watching Swansea - their home games at least - and want to stay here because it's a great place to live.

"I'm attached to the place and to the attitude of the people - I love the sense of humour and the way they take the mick out of the English all the time.

"I came to a different country when I signed for Swansea, but now I genuinely feel part Welsh."

Lee Trundle is close to agreeing a contract extension that will keep him at Swansea City until the summer of 2005. Brian Flynn's star striker has been in talks with Vetch Field chairman Huw Jenkins about lengthening his current deal by 12 months and is on the verge of putting pen to paper.

Tying the 27-year-old to Swansea for another year is a major coup for the club considering the impact he has made since his summer switch from Wrexham.

Eleven goals in his first 14 matches and some outrageous flashes of skill have made Trundle the talk of the Third Division.

And fears were already starting to grow among fans that their new favourite could walk away to a bigger club on a free transfer next summer.

''We are looking to extend Lee's contract,'' Flynn said, ''and he is happy to do so.''

Flynn and Jenkins were today putting the finishing touches to a contract which will lift spirits at the club after Saturday's dismal 0-0 draw with Kidderminster.

Trundle, as so often, was the main talking point again over the weekend - because without him Swansea looked an all together less threatening side.

Flynn's men had managed 22 goals in seven home games before Kidderminster, but drew a blank for the first time this season at the Vetch against a Harriers side with just one win in their previous 12 matches.

One plus for the home side was the early return from injury of Roberto Martinez, who arrived as a second-half substitute and could now start tomorrow night's game with Cambridge.

''Lee has been absolutely on fire, but it's not down to one player that we didn't win the game,'' the Spanish midfielder said. ''We have got other players who can break the deadlock. Brad Maylett can do it when he's fully fit and Leon Britton is also very capable. It's just that we didn't play to our potential.

''Realistically, we've got the ingredients here to challenge for the championship. Last season the aim was to survive, this time it is to go up.''

The goalless draw was not enough to save Kidderminster manager Ian Britton, who was sacked that evening. Former Swans boss Jan Molby, who quit the Harriers for Hull in March 2002, has returned to Aggborough as director of football.

Swansea have been drawn at home to Southend in the second round of the LDV Vans Trophy having been given a bye in round one. The tie will be played in the week beginning November 3.

SWANSEA CITY fans have been told to stop fretting about the controversial name of the club's new stadium - because it will probably disappear within 18 months.

The working title of White Rock Stadium has met with disapproval from many fans, some of them calling for the £25m arena at Morfa to be named after a Swansea legend like Cliff Jones instead.

But Swans chairman Huw Jenkins ruled out that possibility and said the 20,000-seater ground, which will also be home to the Ospreys regional rugby team and Swansea RFC, is expected to eventually be called after a corporate sponsor.

"We're in the market place for a sponsor and the commercial reality is that whoever we get will want their company reflected in the name of the stadium," said Jenkins.

"That means you will get something on the lines of the JJB Stadium in Wigan or the Reebok Stadium in Bolton."

Jenkins went on, "Considering we hope to have a sponsor on board within 18 months, there seems little point in fans worrying about the White Rock name, as it will probably disappear.

"And let's be honest - do we really care what the stadium is called?

"I can understand people getting sentimental about this, but the most important thing is that we grasp what is a wonderful opportunity for the club and look to the future."

SWANSEA CITY winger Brad Maylett has been given the all-clear to fill the void left by Lee Trundle in tomorrow's Third Division home clash against Kidderminster.

Maylett came through 90 minutes of Wednesday's reserve game at Cheltenham and has been passed fit to help ease an injury crisis that continues to hamper the Swans.

With leading goalscorer Trundle ruled out with knee ligament damage, the former Burnley winger is expected to go straight into the side and join Kevin Nugent and Andy Robinson in a three-pronged attack against the struggling Harriers.

"Brad is obviously not a like-for-like replacement for Lee, but he will provide us with an extra attacking dimension," said Swans boss Brian Flynn.

Maylett returns for the first time since picking up a severe dead leg in the 2-0 home win against Huddersfield on September 20.

"Brad made an excellent start to the season and it will be good to have him back in the team," said Flynn.

He went on, "It's a bit like a revolving door down here at the moment - as soon as one comes back, we seem to lose another.

"The injury situation is starting to ease, but only slowly. There are a number of players we hoped would be back before now."

Among them are striker James Thomas, still ruled out with a toe problem, and Roberto Martinez, whose return has been put back to the trip to Rochdale on Saturday week.

And defender Stuart Jones will not, as had been hoped, be fit for the visit of second-from-bottom Kidderminster.

"Stuart didn't play against Cheltenham as his injury is still a little tender at the moment," said Flynn.

One additional change to tomorrow's line-up will see Lee Jenkins come in for the suspended Richard Duffy.

Meanwhile, Flynn has dismissed reports in the north- east that he is considering a loan swoop for Hartlepool's former Wales Under-21 goalkeeper Anthony Williams.

"There's no truth in that," he said. "We've got two goalkeepers at the club and I have not spoken to anyone at Hartlepool."

Wacky Welsh soccer fan Nick Rees is planning a Moscow hijack. Nick, from Mayals, Swansea, works in the Russian capital, and the second the draw for the play-offs for the European Championships in Portugal was made he swung into action.

He has ordered a coach, VIP tickets for the match, plans to fill it with English expatriates and take them to the game.

He said: "I will take them to the Lokomotiv Stadium and order them to support Wales.

"I have lived and worked here for nine years and I only know seven or eight Welsh ex-pats and one of them is in fact from Llanelli."

Nick is a fanatical Swansea City supporter and once tried to get Cardiff chairman Sam Hammam to honour a pledge to pay for fans to go to a derby match by bringing him back from Moscow.

He also flew home for 48 hours last spring to support the Swans' last-ditch battle to stay in the Football League before getting back to his desk in Moscow on Monday.

Nick, managing director of an international recruitment agency, said: "Wales is pretty unknown to the Russians and they think we're part of England, so it's a big shock for them.

"The radio stations have been full of phone-ins about the game, most of the stations asking for information.

"It's going to be a wild atmosphere but there are ways to counteract this. The Russians don't sing and only chant a few words now and then, although those annoying "toot toot" things are everywhere."

Nick said he hopes to see Wales qualify, but says his number one priority is to see the Swans promoted.

Police investigating football-related hooliganism during a soccer tournament in West Yorkshire have arrested five men in Aberdeen.

The arrests follow a disturbance in the centre of Bradford during the pre-season competition at Bradford City's Valley Parade.

More than 100 people were involved in outbreaks of violence in Ivegate on July 26 following the Centenary Football Tournament.

Teams from Aberdeen, Swansea and Coleraine in Northern Ireland took part to celebrate 100 years of the Bantams.

During the disorder bottles and hoardings were thrown, a police dog van had its windscreen smashed and the dog itself was slightly injured.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said 19 people have already been arrested in connection with public order offences.

"Officers from West Yorkshire Police this morning carried out raids at a number of addresses in Aberdeen with the assistance of Grampian police," the spokesman said.

"As a result of the operation five men in their 20s and 30s were arrested and will be brought back to Bradford for questioning."

SWANSEA CITY boss Brian Flynn believes top goalscorer Lee Trundle could make the club's next away game at Rochdale.

Flynn feared 11-goal Trundle would have a lengthy spell on the sidelines after damaging knee ligaments early on in Saturday's 2-1 win at Leyton Orient.

But a scan has showed no long-term damage and Trundle, although unlikely to figure in the next two home games against Kidderminster Harriers and Cambridge United, could make the trip to Spotland on October 25.

"It's not as bad as we first feared," said Flynn. "We're hoping it's two weeks at the most and that Lee could play at Rochdale.

"It looked far worse when Lee came off on Saturday and you never can tell with damaged ligaments.

"But it's looking a lot better than it was."

Trundle's setback could not have come at a worse time with deputy James Thomas still sidelined after his foot injury flared up last week.

But Flynn will resist moving into the loan market to find a short-term partner for Kevin Nugent, preferring instead to give Andy Robinson a more forward role than he has often been accustomed to at The Vetch.

And wideman Brad Maylett is also another option there as he steps up his comeback in a reserve-team fixture at Cheltenham today.

"The strike pair have done well together, but we've got to look at something else in the next week," said Flynn.

"Andy did well when he moved up front at Leyton Orient and gave us a good platform for our attacks.

"But we've got other options as well with Brad - who has played there before - coming back and young Mark Pritchard.

"Rather than bringing anyone in I will be looking at one of those two to play alongside Kevin."

Flynn hopes that Swansea's injury crisis will ease further with Stuart Jones, Jonathan Coates and Jason Smith also poised to play at Cheltenham.

Said Flynn, "It's a chance for one or two to get a game, but it's come too soon for Roberto (Martinez).

"We've got to be patient with him and give him another week or two."

Flynn will be also without right-back Richard Duffy against Kidderminster on Saturday after the youngster received a three-match ban for his red card at Hull City two weeks ago.

The 18-year-old, dismissed for a reckless challenge on Stuart Elliott, will also miss the Cambridge and Rochdale games.

But Flynn has Jones and Lee Jenkins - a substitute in Swansea's last four games after missing seven weeks with ankle damage - competing for starting berths.

Roberto Martinez has pencilled in the trip to Rochdale in 10 days' time for his comeback after abandoning plans to play for the reserves today. The Spanish maestro had hoped to turn out for Swansea City's second string at Cheltenham this afternoon after almost two months out with a knee ligament injury.

Had he come through unscathed at Whaddon Road, midfielder Martinez would have come into contention for Saturday's meeting with Kidderminster at Vetch Field.

But after a slight hitch in his recuperation, the 30-year-old has put back the target date for a first-team return.

''I'm almost there,'' said Martinez, ''but it's a very big almost.

''Last week I was really looking forward to getting back into full training on Monday so that I could play for the reserves, but there is still a little bit of pain when I strike the ball.

''I'm going to see how things go tomorrow, but I think we can rule out Kidderminster and also Cambridge next Tuesday will probably be too soon.

''I'm just hoping that from one day to the next things will improve and I would say that I'll definitely be okay for Rochdale.

''The good thing is that I'm a fit player so I'll be able to get straight back into it once the ankle is right.''

In his absence, boss Brian Flynn has brought in Middlesbrough's Mark Wilson on loan to play at the heart of Swansea's midfield.

And after the former Manchester United man agreed a one-month extension to his Vetch stay last week, Martinez concedes that he faces a fight for his place in the first team.

''It's not down to me - my job is just to get fit again,'' he added.

''The gaffer has been spot on with every decision he has made since I've been here and I'll be happy to give him a bit of a selection problem.

''Competition is healthy and it shows that we are a good side. If we were desperate to get players back, it would mean we were struggling in the league.

''It has been very frustrating for me being out. It's nice to be involved in the dressing room, but it's hard to watch the boys play.

''The way the club has progressed in the last seven or eight months, I can't wait to be part of it again.''

Though Martinez missed out, Brad Maylett, Stuart Jones and Jason Smith were all due to play for the reserves today as they move closer to first-team returns.

Cardiff City picked up a useful First Division point last night when they held Sunderland to a goal-less draw at the Stadium of Light.

SWANSEA CITY boss Brian Flynn believes top goalscorer Lee Trundle could make the club's next away game at Rochdale.

Flynn feared 11-goal Trundle would have a lengthy spell on the sidelines after damaging knee ligaments early on in Saturday's 2-1 win at Leyton Orient.

But a scan has showed no long-term damage and Trundle, although unlikely to figure in the next two home games against Kidderminster Harriers and Cambridge United, could make the trip to Spotland on October 25.

"It's not as bad as we first feared," said Flynn. "We're hoping it's two weeks at the most and that Lee could play at Rochdale.

"It looked far worse when Lee came off on Saturday and you never can tell with damaged ligaments.

"But it's looking a lot better than it was."

Trundle's setback could not have come at a worse time with deputy James Thomas still sidelined after his foot injury flared up last week.

But Flynn will resist moving into the loan market to find a short-term partner for Kevin Nugent, preferring instead to give Andy Robinson a more forward role than he has often been accustomed to at The Vetch.

And wideman Brad Maylett is also another option there as he steps up his comeback in a reserve-team fixture at Cheltenham today.

"The strike pair have done well together, but we've got to look at something else in the next week," said Flynn.

"Andy did well when he moved up front at Leyton Orient and gave us a good platform for our attacks.

"But we've got other options as well with Brad - who has played there before - coming back and young Mark Pritchard.

"Rather than bringing anyone in I will be looking at one of those two to play alongside Kevin."

Flynn hopes that Swansea's injury crisis will ease further with Stuart Jones, Jonathan Coates and Jason Smith also poised to play at Cheltenham.

Said Flynn, "It's a chance for one or two to get a game, but it's come too soon for Roberto (Martinez).

"We've got to be patient with him and give him another week or two."

Flynn will be also without right-back Richard Duffy against Kidderminster on Saturday after the youngster received a three-match ban for his red card at Hull City two weeks ago.

The 18-year-old, dismissed for a reckless challenge on Stuart Elliott, will also miss the Cambridge and Rochdale games.

But Flynn has Jones and Lee Jenkins - a substitute in Swansea's last four games after missing seven weeks with ankle damage - competing for starting berths.

Swansea mananger Brian Flynn has a good reason for the club's excellent form this season - himself.

Flynn has led the Vetch Field team to just one point off the top of Division Three following their convincing display over Leyton Orient.

It is a far cry from last season, where they spent most of the compaign scripping for league survivial at the bottom of the division.

And while most managers will give a stock "it's all down to the 11 on the pitch, all I do is pick the team" answer to thsoe who ask what their secret of success is, Flynn gives an altogether more direct response.

"It's all down to me," he says with a grin. "Me and possibly Kevin the coach. And the 22 players we've got don't do too badly either."

The 11 he had on the pitch didn't go too badly at all at Brisbane Road, where they are currently without a manager and run by a chairman getting increasingly impatient at their lack of success.

Lee Trundle was again the star of the show - or at least the first 20 minutes, before he hobbled off with a knee injury that looks set to keep him out for the next two weeks.

But it could be argues that he had done all that had been asked of him while he was on the pitch.

He had scored - with a spectacular overhead kick that warrants a nomination for goal of the season - before setting up his team mate Kevin Nugent for the second.

And the fact Trundle will miss at least the next two games is a worry for Flynn, wgho has had to deal with a host of injuries this season.

"It is a blow to us taht Lee is out," he said. " He is an entertainer, and when he is enjoying his football like that he is unstoppable.

"And it is good to see that he and Kevin are linking up so well.

"But we have dealt with injuries before, and I am sure the rest of the squad are up to the task which I set them - which is to get results."

But it could have all gone horribly wrong for Flynn's side, who had Jabo Ibere bearing down on their goal after just two minutes of play, only to slash his shot wide of the post.

And less than a minute after Trundle's brilliant effort, Gary Alexander drew a great save from Swansea goalkeeper Roger Freestone. But after Nugent had headed in from a yard out against the club where he began his career 15 minutes into the game, the Orient players may as well have gone home to watch the build-up to the England game.

Until the break the side looked uninterested in helping stand-in boss Martin Ling's bid to land the job permanently and it took until two minutes before the end of the game for Orient to reply with a goal.

Chris Tate headed in after a rare defensive lapse from Flynn's back four, and it sparked a barrage of shots, which were dealt with ably by Freestone and his defence.

And Flynn remained convinced he would travel back to Swansea with the three points - and he is adamant they can keep up their good form until the end of the season.

He ws not afraid t stick his neck out and say theya re after a place in the play-offs before the season kicked off, and nothing has changed.

He said " It we can do what we did today for th erest of the season we can expect to finish well in the league.

"A place in the top seven is definietly not beyond us, but we have to work hard and grind out results.

"They put us under a lot of pressure today, and we dealth with it well. Even after their goal, when they were in our box I was confident we were going to win it.

"What has changed since I arrived is we have begun to believe in ourselves, and realised we have to grind out wins sometimes.

"Orient put us under pressure in the second half, but I thought we defended the penalty box as well as we have done since I arrived at the club.

"We had chances to finish the game, but I was condifent the lads would hold on for the win.

"Eight wins in 13 games is very pleasing, but we won't get into a comfort zone - we have to build on that and keep things going."

ROBERTO MARTINEZ might be just seven days away from a first-team comeback - but the man who has filled the midfield star's boots has no plans to let him walk straight back into the Swansea side.

Influential Spanish midfielder Martinez is hoping to make his long-awaited return to action in next Saturday's Division Three clash against Kidderminster Harriers at the Vetch.

The player widely seen as the main factor in Swansea avoiding relegation from the Football League last season aims to pull on the white shirt for the first time since picking up a serious knee injury just three games into the season.

But, if the man who has been so impressive since replacing Martinez during the 3-0 win against Boston on August 22 has anything to do with it, the former Real Zaragoza star might have to wait a little longer to get back into the side.

Andy Robinson has been a revelation at the heart of the Swansea midfield, dazzling the fans with a succession of man-of-the-match performances and contributing four goals to boot.

And, with Martinez hovering on the horizon, the Liverpudlian travels to Leyton Orient for today's Division Three clash aiming to make it as difficult as possible for Swans boss Brian Flynn to drop him.

"I've had a great run in the side and obviously I don't want that to come to an end," said Robinson.

"There are a number of players on their way back from injury and that will give the manager a few selection problems.

"That's good for the team and it's the manager's job to decide who plays, but I'd like to think I've done well enough to hold onto my place.

"Who knows what will happen? It's gone very well for me - better than I could have hoped for - and all I can do is try to keep that going. I'll look for another good performance against Leyton Orient to make it as hard as possible for the manager to leave me out."

Since arriving against Boston, Robinson has featured in Swansea's last nine games and admits he did not expect to be such a regular fixture in the side at the start of the season.

"To be honest, I thought I'd be playing a lot of reserve team football," said Robinson, snapped up by Swansea in the summer after unsuccessful spells at Tranmere and Wrexham last term.

"At one point last season I was playing for Cammel Laird in one of the local Liverpool leagues.

"Then I was playing in front of one man and his dog - now I'm turning out in front of 9,000 passionate Swansea fans.

"It's wonderful to be involved and even better that we have made such a great start to the season.

"My aim all along has been to prove to people that I have the ability and hopefully I am doing that.

"What will happen over the next few weeks? No one knows the answer to that. Apart from the manager!"

Today Robinson is expected to form part of a Swansea side that could feature one change to the team that salvaged a point against Lincoln last weekend.

Richard Duffy is expected to be rested, with Lee Jenkins coming in for the youngster at right-back.

James Thomas and Jonathan Coates are off the treatment table and in the squad for the trip to east London, but both are expected to start as substitutes.

Swansea will face an Orient side who have collected six points from two matches under the caretaker management of their former midfielder Martin Ling.

Ex-Swans boss John Hollins - currently in temporary charge at Stockport - has been linked with the vacant managerial position at Brisbane Road.

Orient have drawn up a short-list of candidates to replace Paul Brush, shown the door last month following the London club's poor start to the season.

But Flynn warned, "From the reports we've had, it would seem Orient (19th in the table) are in something of a false position.

"It's going to be a tough game, but I'm hopeful we can continue to improve our away form."

SWANS loan target Richie Partridge is open to offers, his agent revealed last night.

The Liverpool and Ireland under 21 winger, who enjoyed successful loan spells at Coventry and Bristol Rovers last term, has been linked with a switch to the Vetch.

Swans supremo Brian Flynn has been weighing up bringing in a winger on loan with two of his current wide men, Brad Maylett and Kieron Durkan, both recovering from injury.

Maylett is now close to full fitness and news is positive regarding Durkan's knee injury, but with Flynn keen to sustain the Swan's impressive start to the season, he may yet be tempted take a plunge into the loan market for a wide man.

If Partridge fits the bill, then the exciting winger would be keen to talk.

"We haven't had any direct contact with Swansea City, but if the player was happy with a deal I'm sure it would be a great move for him," said Partridge's agent Neil Sang, who also looks after the interests of Swans strike hero Lee Trundle.

"Richie is looking for a loan move and I think Swansea would be the kind of club that could help him develop his career."

Partridge, 23, has been with the Merseyside giants since he was 15, and made his first team debut in Liverpool's emphatic 8-0 Worthington Cup victory over Stoke City in November 2000. Meanwhile Swansea City have extended Mark Wilson's loan deal from Middlesbrough for another month.

Swansea closed the gap on Third Division leaders Hull to just one point after Lee Trundle continued his remarkable scoring run against Leyton Orient at London Road.

Trundle notched his 12th of the season in the ninth minute and six minutes later the Swans were cruising when Kevin Nugent added a second.

Chris Tate's goal for Orient two minutes from time provided a few nervous moments for Swansea but was ultimately of little consequence.

Mansfield remain neck and neck with Swansea after a 2-0 win over York at Field Mill.

Hull play Carlisle tomorrow and the Stags were looking to take of advantage but were made to wait over half an hour by a resilient York outfit.

David Artell scored the all-important first goal after 31 minutes when he fired in from the edge of the area after a Liam Lawrence corner.

Chris Beardsley made sure of the points after 76 minutes with a close-range header.

Oxford are also in the group a point behind Hull - having also played a game more than the Tigers - after a Steve Basham goal in the 13th minute earned them a 1-0 home win over Yeovil.

Torquay's hopes of cementing their play-off position were hit when Anthony Carss scored the only goal of the game for Huddersfield at the McAlpine Stadium.

Doncaster's good form since returning to the Football League continue as they cruised past Macclesfield 3-1 at Moss Rose.

Martin Carruthers opened the scoring for struggling Macclesfield in the 17th minute.

They could not hold on though and three goals in eight minutes either side of half-time from Gregg Blundell, Paul Green and Michael McIndoe secured the points for Rovers before Steve Macauley was sent off for Macclesfield.

Boston eased themselves away from the relegation scrap thanks to a 3-1 home win over Cheltenham.

The visitors had taken the lead through Grant McCann but Boston hit back in some style with goals from Tom Bennett, Stuart Balmer and Mark Angel putting the hosts in control before the hour mark.

Cheltenham goalkeeper Steve Book was then sent off for a professional foul to tighten Boston's hold on the game before Bennett saw red to make it 10 a side.

Scunthorpe were blown away by Lincoln at Glanford Park, with goals from Ben Futcher and Gary Fletcher putting City in control before the half-hour mark.

Even Mark Bailey's sending off for a bad foul on Peter Beagrie could not dent Lincoln's dominance and Francis Green added a third early in the second half. Paul Hayes pulled one back for the hosts, who fell to a 3-1 defeat.

Bury kept some distance between themselves and the relegation scrap thanks to a 2-1 win at Cambridge.

Bury took control with goals from Lee Connell and Chris Porter in the 32nd and 39th minutes. Cambridge pulled one back with 10 minutes to go through Andy Duncan.

Darlington crashed to a 4-0 home defeat by Bristol Rovers.

Lewis Haldane broke the deadlock after 38 minutes with a close-range strike for Rovers and second-half goals from Andy Rammell (two) and David Savage put the visitors in control.

Tesfaye Bramble's late goal gave Southend a 2-1 win at Kidderminster to earn the Shrimpers their first away win of the season. Earlier JJ Melligan had equalised for Harriers after Mark Warren's opener.

Rochdale and Northampton shared a 1-1 draw at Spotland, Kevin Townson scoring for the hosts after Martin Smith had broken the deadlock.

Swansea director of football Brian Flynn's joy at his side's 1-2 win away at Leyton Orient was tempered by the injury suffered by leading scorer Lee Trundle.
The tricky front man, an inspired summer signing from Wrexham, scored his 11th goal of the season at Orient before making Kevin Nugent's strike, but limped off with medial ligament damage midway through the first half.

"On a first assessment, we think he (Trundle) will be out for a couple of weeks - we're hoping it's not more," Flynn told BBC Sport Wales.

"We've been dealing with a string of injuries for the last six weeks, but the lads have been able to dig deep and grind out the results.

"I'm delighted with a 2-1 win away from home. We gave ourselves a great platform in the first half and defended well in the second."

Flynn has further injury worries over striker James Thomas, last season's leading scorer and a likely stand-in for Trundle.

"James trained all week, but his foot injury flared up again on Thursday," said Flynn.

ROBERTO MARTINEZ might be just seven days away from a first-team comeback - but the man who has filled the midfield star's boots has no plans to let him walk straight back into the Swansea side.

Influential Spanish midfielder Martinez is hoping to make his long-awaited return to action in next Saturday's Division Three clash against Kidderminster Harriers at the Vetch.

The player widely seen as the main factor in Swansea avoiding relegation from the Football League last season aims to pull on the white shirt for the first time since picking up a serious knee injury just three games into the season.

But, if the man who has been so impressive since replacing Martinez during the 3-0 win against Boston on August 22 has anything to do with it, the former Real Zaragoza star might have to wait a little longer to get back into the side.

Andy Robinson has been a revelation at the heart of the Swansea midfield, dazzling the fans with a succession of man-of-the-match performances and contributing four goals to boot.

And, with Martinez hovering on the horizon, the Liverpudlian travels to Leyton Orient for today's Division Three clash aiming to make it as difficult as possible for Swans boss Brian Flynn to drop him.

"I've had a great run in the side and obviously I don't want that to come to an end," said Robinson.

"There are a number of players on their way back from injury and that will give the manager a few selection problems.

"That's good for the team and it's the manager's job to decide who plays, but I'd like to think I've done well enough to hold onto my place.

"Who knows what will happen? It's gone very well for me - better than I could have hoped for - and all I can do is try to keep that going. I'll look for another good performance against Leyton Orient to make it as hard as possible for the manager to leave me out."

Since arriving against Boston, Robinson has featured in Swansea's last nine games and admits he did not expect to be such a regular fixture in the side at the start of the season.

"To be honest, I thought I'd be playing a lot of reserve team football," said Robinson, snapped up by Swansea in the summer after unsuccessful spells at Tranmere and Wrexham last term.

"At one point last season I was playing for Cammel Laird in one of the local Liverpool leagues.

"Then I was playing in front of one man and his dog - now I'm turning out in front of 9,000 passionate Swansea fans.

"It's wonderful to be involved and even better that we have made such a great start to the season.

"My aim all along has been to prove to people that I have the ability and hopefully I am doing that.

"What will happen over the next few weeks? No one knows the answer to that. Apart from the manager!"

Today Robinson is expected to form part of a Swansea side that could feature one change to the team that salvaged a point against Lincoln last weekend.

Richard Duffy is expected to be rested, with Lee Jenkins coming in for the youngster at right-back.

James Thomas and Jonathan Coates are off the treatment table and in the squad for the trip to east London, but both are expected to start as substitutes.

Swansea will face an Orient side who have collected six points from two matches under the caretaker management of their former midfielder Martin Ling.

Ex-Swans boss John Hollins - currently in temporary charge at Stockport - has been linked with the vacant managerial position at Brisbane Road.

Orient have drawn up a short-list of candidates to replace Paul Brush, shown the door last month following the London club's poor start to the season.

But Flynn warned, "From the reports we've had, it would seem Orient (19th in the table) are in something of a false position.

"It's going to be a tough game, but I'm hopeful we can continue to improve our away form."