Portsmouth manager Tony Adams has declared Swansea the best footballing team in the Championship

Adams will today have first hand experience of that footballing skill when Swansea City visit Fratton Park in the 4th Round of the FA Cup.

Adams will be looking to take his cup holders into the 5th round on their defence of the trophy they won last May at Wembley.

And he is steeling himself for a tough test today and declared the Swans the best footballing side in the Championship ahead of the game.

Speaking to the Western Mail, the former Arsenal captain said “They are probably the best footballing team in the division

“That’s certainly the case from what I have seen this season.

“They really do pass the ball well. I’m not just saying that because we are playing them, they really are that good.

“They destroyed Reading at the weekend. I have seen them live twice this year and they were a very impressive footballing team and, as I’ve said, probably the best in the Championship.

“Saying that speaks volumes for what I think about Swansea. I have been to the Liberty Stadium a couple of times and I know enough about them to definitely know they could cause us problems.

“Little Leon Britton is an excellent recruit from West Ham and the same with Darren Pratley from Fulham,” said the former England defender.

“Roberto has also found a couple of Spanish lads who are very good as well, so it’s going to be tough for us.

“These teams always play above themselves in cup games,” he said. “When it’s the FA Cup they always seem to find some spirit and raise their game.

“Week in, week out they are where they are for a reason. But, on any given day in the cup, anything can happen.

“That’s what we did against Manchester United last year. And that is the beauty of the cup, as they say.

“If I rested players I don’t think I would be able to field an XI,” he joked.

“We need a couple of central midfield players. That would be handy because we have lost another one this week.

“Niko has got a little bit of a tear in his groin. He will definitely miss the Swansea game.

“What you see is what you get with Jermaine,” he said. “He is very quick and he is a great crosser of the ball.

“He can be running one way and still cross it back the other way. It’s just an amazing talent.

“He just wants to play and is frustrated that he hasn’t been getting that opportunity.

“We can give him that and he has been bright, positive and energetic since he arrived."

Photo: Action Images

Swansea City Polls