Izzy Targets Title Push
Izzy Targets Title Push |
Izzy Iriekpen has set his sights high for the new season as he targets the League One crown after the heartache of last season. Sorely missed in the final run in of the season, Izzy is back in full training and will surely warrant a starting berth in Jackett's side against Cheltenham on August 5 - almost six months since he left the action at the City Ground, Nottingham. One of Swansea's best performances post Christmas saw them win at Forest in February but it was a day marred by season ending injuries to Izzy and central defensive partner Steve Watt. But with both now fit, Izzy himself has set his sights on replacing Southend as champions of the division next season. In a frank interview with the Evening Post, Izzy had the following to say "The title's the target," he declared. "And after a season of experience in this division, I really believe that we are going to win the league. "Southend won it last year and, no disrespect to them, but I thought we were a better side than they were. "Maybe the key for them was winning more away games because of their mental strength. "That's an area where we need to improve and I think we will this season." Iriekpen is nearing full fitness after damaging ligaments at Nottingham Forest back in February. After undergoing surgery, the 24-year-old was forced to sit out the crucial stages of Swansea's promotion bid. "To be honest, it was horrible missing out on the chance to play in such big games," he added. "And it was so disappointing the way we eventually lost out. I hoped the lads could get us to the Championship and I thought it was odds-on. "They were brilliant in the final, but when it went to penalties I feared the worst because we had been the better side. "The last time all the boys saw each other before this week was the day of the play-off final and it wasn't good. "Everyone was down and nobody really wanted to talk to anyone else, but there's no hangover now. We're all looking forward and we can't wait for the new season to kick off." Confident words from the man who joined Swansea in 2003 and established himself firmly at the heart of defence prior to that injury. And let's all hope that the confidence is not mis-placed. |