Wales exiting the World Cup does have its positives as we are now just a week away from a Championship return for the swans. Ben Cabango and Ollie Cooper didn’t see any action but Joe Allen did. However, if reports are accurate, and that’s a big IF - then Swansea will have their Welsh international trio at least ready to go in to combat against Norwich City next Saturday at the swansea.com.

The fact the club have four players back on Tuesday puts them in a far healthier position selection wise than any other club in the championship. All four are first team players.

Cameroon international Olivier Ntcham will also be available after his country left the tournament completing the last of their three group games last night. He did make it on to the field in the second half against Brasil, And he could have scored. He contributed incredibly well to yet another World Cup shock in Cameroon’s 1-0 victory. That’s four important players, but compared to rivals Cardiff City who potentially wouldn’t be as affected with their two players - Rubin Colwill and Mark Harris on the fringes of their first eleven. If the swans are serious about having a more industrious and positive second half to the season then these four players are crucial.

Ntcham at twenty six has had a great season so far, his five goals and two assists pointing to a more positive and driven player. His out of the box shooting has contributed to most of his goals for Swansea. Many swans fans will be hoping that wasn’t just to get in to his countries squad for the World Cup. Ollie Cooper now twenty two has three goals and one, questionably two assists this season - again his contribution from an attacking midfield role has been invaluable. Now with a contract at Swansea until at least the summer of 2027 he has a settled and rewarding career ahead of him. In fact all of our quartet will return from the Middle East with a huge amount of experience gained, they will also be fit and raring to go, Joe Allen aside, we await the next ‘news’ on his current injury.

What these four have gained in this unique experience will surely put Swansea City in good stead for the second half of the season. Today Swansea take on Dundee United at Tannadice and fans can pay on the day. A small number of tickets have been purchased by swans fans for this game. It kicks off at noon. We have a week to go before it all starts again, and then before we know it the holiday period brings more tests for the swans. Any club that turns the year on thirty seven points plus is in with a shout, that’s a stat we should keep an eye on.

As it stands Swansea are well placed to take advantage of their eighth spot in the division. Sixth if you want to split hairs.

The top ten is tight, even Burnley can’t relax for one minute despite being the best side in the league and deserving of their number one spot. The swans have two home games against Norwich City and Watford, and two away at Coventry City and Reading. A minimum of six points is a must and an away draw added to that will put Swansea on thirty eight points. The recent form of the side has been incredibly frustrating with no wins in five, four of those being draws, and that needs turning around quickly. A more ruthless streak in front of goal is needed to maintain the clubs interest at the top end of the league table.

This break has offered the swans plenty of advantages, not only to rest but to revisit the foundations Russell Martin has patiently built over the last fifteen months. The test now comes over these next four games, and then going in to the new year taking on Burnley at home. Once these five games have been navigated we will have a clearer picture. Then we descend (factually) in to the transfer window when four or five Swansea City players will be on numerous clubs shopping list. It’s non stop in the championship, and yes we are looking at the play offs, that’s a positive, but it needs a lot more than we have seen for a lot of this season.

We know the swans have it in them, we saw that at West Bromwich Albion and Watford away but it’s been too bitty and frustrating. That has to end and if Martin can find that magic formula he so often talks about then maybe we can move in to 2023 in a very positive and pleasing position.

Artwork by Swansea Independent