Roberto Martinez looks ahead to the sporting weekend for South Wales two main cities

First up are the Swans who entertain Bournemouth at the Liberty Stadium.  Victory for the home side combined with a defeat for Doncaster at Huddersfield will see Swansea secure a return to the second flight of English football for the first time since 1984.

And, just over 24 hours later at Wembley, Cardiff City come face to face with Barnsley for a place in the 2008 FA Cup Final with the winners facing West Brom or Portsmouth on May 17.

If both sides were successful this weekend it would make for a unique double across South Wales and the Swans boss believes that fans should appreciate the good success for both could do for Welsh football.

Speaking in today's Western Mail, he said

“This weekend is above local rivalries, whether it is in football or rugby,” said Martinez.

“Anything that is going to bring positive attention to Welsh sport is good for everyone involved.

“In football especially, our success, next to Cardiff’s, will give John Toshack and the national team the chance to have players with that winning buzz and a competitive edge.

“That can only further boost the results at international level for Wales.

“So, looking at it that way, when everything is put together, success for any team this weekend can only be a good thing for Welsh sport.”

Add to that and both the Ospreys and the Cardiff Blues are on the trail of European success this weekend and it really is a weekend for the sporting enthusiast of both sports to savour

Martinez continued, “It’s a big weekend for the four teams. It’s got to that stage of the year when you see how well every single team has done this season and the hard work they have put in.

“Teams are starting to get close to their specific goals. It’s great for Welsh sport and I just hope everyone gets that little bit of luck to help them achieve what they deserve.”

While he wished Cardiff teams well, Martinez was particularly happy to see his Liberty Stadium compatriots, the Ospreys, doing so well this season.

“I have a good rapport with Lyn (Jones)” he explained. “We always train at Llandarcy, so I see a lot of him.

“It’s great to see the Ospreys doing so well and being involved in the important European games. Lyn always follows our results, we always follow theirs and we’re just delighted that hopefully it will be a great weekend for Swansea.

“The fact the two teams are doing well is a great boost for everyone in this city. You need that and I think it’s important the two sets of fans work together.

“At the end of the day we represent one city and it’s a great thing when you see everyone, whether they are Swansea City or Ospreys fans, with a smile on their face.

“I wish everyone good luck this weekend. As Welsh teams we each hope we can represent the country as well as we can.

“In that respect, let’s hope Wales has a fantastic weekend... with lots to celebrate.”

Photo: Action Images

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