Swansea City's play off ambitions have suffered a blow recently but Roberto Martinez still belives a play off place is in reach

Losses to Queens Park Rangers and Crystal Palace have put the Swans five points adrift of Burnley in the last remaining play off berth but that has not deterred the Spaniard from making one last surge for the top six and has vowed to keep fighting hard until the last game of the season against Blackpool that could still very much decide the clubs fate as he told the WM,”We will carry on fighting until the last day of the season. I believe we still have as good a chance as anyone of getting into the top six.So I just want the team to keep enjoying themselves and improving in certain areas. If we do that, we can go into the play-offs feeling as strong as possible.”

He added “But if we just get the points without good performances, we don’t have the Championship experience and know-how to get away with it. With the way we play, we need to be on top of our game to be successful.”The character of the boys is unquestionable. We have been through many things and they are ready for the challenge.

“It’s just that mentally they gradually need to adjust into the mindset of a top-six team. That doesn’t happen overnight. It's a big ask for our squad to do that within 10 months. Normally teams take six or seven years to do that.”

Stressing the importance of the performance not the result, the 35 year old has admitted nerves got the better of the players as he alluded too, “We normally play for performances not results at this club. But recently we have been playing for results because everyone is so anxious to get into the top six. There's nothing wrong with that. But we need to learn that, if we pride ourselves on our performances, the results will come.”

“That takes time though and we are probably pushing the players to do it too quickly. But I can guarantee the foundation is there and, if we can make the play-offs this season, we will be ready for it.”

Photo: Action Images

Queens Park Rangers Polls