Former Wales international John Hartson has backed the Swans to avoid an instant return to League One next season

Hartson was speaking as a Swansea fan and as the return to the second tier of English football beckoned for the first time in 24 years.

With just one pre-season game now remaining between the Swans and that new season, some pundits are claiming that a season of trouble could beckon for the Swans with some even making them their favourites for an immediate return to League One.

But Hartson has ruled that out although he hasn't got carried away on the wave of optimism that has seen a flurry of activity on promotion for the Swans into the promised land of the Premiership.

Speaking to today's Wales on Sunday, Hartson said “At home will be more difficult for them because the teams that visit will have more quality

“So when teams come to the Liberty Stadium they will enjoy playing on the great surface there, in front of a big crowd.

“I think Swansea intimidated a lot of teams in League One but there are a lot of hard games now and they will be under no illusions that it is going to be tough.”

“I think it will be difficult for Swansea.I don’t think they will finish top six but I think they have enough quality to stabilise and stay up.”

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