Michael Laudrup’s challenge to Swansea ahead of trip to Norwich City
Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup is hoping for at least a point at Carrow Road. - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Swansea City boss Michael Laudrup has challenged his Capital One Cup winners to break the 50 point mark in the Premier League ahead of tomorrow's trip to Norwich City.
The Swans have been stuck on 40 points since a Wembley triumph over Bradford last month and Laudrup is demanding a strong finish to their successful centenary campaign after a trio of league defeats.
'Norwich is a very strong team struggling with a very bad run, they are at home, and they will want to beat us,' said Laudrup.
'We can win, but the most important thing is to come back and get at least a point. It will be a hard game, a physical game. Norwich are the team with the most goals from set-pieces in the league, more than Stoke, West Ham or Everton, which was a surprise.
'We are one of the teams who concede the most goals from set-pieces. We have to be strong, not concede free-kicks and corners.
'It will be a tough game for us, really tough. Fifty points is still possible, but if we want them with the games we have to play we need to at least get a draw this weekend.'
Laudrup confirmed yesterday Welsh international left-back Neil Taylor is close to making a first-team return from the horrific ankle injury which has sidelined him since September.
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The 24-year-old played 80 minutes for the U21s earlier this week and Laudrup expects to draft Taylor in over the Premier League run-in.
'Physically he is quite close to being back,' he said. 'He has trained with us for some weeks, but we all know match fitness is a different level and only by coming back will he get that. The physical part is one thing, the mental part is another after a triple fracture, which is quite an injury. I am happy he's back and let's see when he can come in and make his comeback.'
Chico Flores and Angel Rangel have been passed fit for the clash with the Canaries. Flores aggravated an ankle injury having returned from seven weeks on the sidelines against Tottenham, while Rangel missed the 2-1 defeat with a calf problem, but both have returned to training. Kemy Agustien is also closing in on a return from a thigh injury.
'Chico and Angel have been training this week and should be back. Kemy has also been training with us for a couple of days,' said Laudrup.
