SWANSEA CITY'S bid to bring Manchester United defender Alan Tate back to the Vetch was last night on the brink of collapse.

Swans boss Brian Flynn said yesterday he hoped Tate would be signed in time for him to feature in tomorrow's Third Division clash at Mansfield.

But club chairman Huw Jenkins later told The Western Mail that Swansea were struggling to agree terms with the 21-year-old central defender.

Jenkins, speaking ahead of a meeting with Tate's agent, admitted, "I'm not expecting a deal to be completed this week - if at all.

"Alan certainly won't be available for the game at Mansfield.

"The sticking point is the terms and conditions. They've got to be right for us - and, at the moment, they're not right.

"It's fair to say that we're some way off agreeing a deal with Alan."

Flynn was hoping the trip to Field Mill would herald the start of Tate's third spell at Swansea.

The Easington-born player spent two thirds of last season on loan at the Vetch and returned for a two-month spell earlier this current campaign.

Having been told by United chief Sir Alex Ferguson he has no future at Old Trafford, Tate has attracted interest from several First and Second Division sides.

Crystal Palace, Sheffield Wednesday, Rushden & Diamonds and Peterborough are among those to have enquired about him.

Tate has stated his preference to resume his career in South Wales, but the move to bring the player back to Swansea was last night hanging in the balance.

"I've got to look at the bigger picture," insisted Jenkins. "I have to make sure we keep control of the finances of the club.

"Any deal we do has got to fit in with the way we are taking this club forward.

"As things stand, the terms and conditions laid out by Alan do not fit in with that."

One player who did complete a move to the Vetch yesterday, initially on a one-month loan, was West Ham defender Shaun Byrne.

The 23-year-old, who can also play in midfield, is expected to go into the side tomorrow as cover for injured right-back Stuart Jones.

Flynn defended his decision to swoop for another player with limited first-team experience - Byrne has made only a handful of senior outings for the Hammers - on the basis he could be at the Vetch for longer than just one month.

New loan signing Shaun Byrne is ready to fire up Swansea City's promotion bid. The Republic of Ireland and West Ham defender or midfielder says he will stay as long as he is wanted to help the club achieve their aim of getting out of the Third Division.

The 23-year-old, who cut his teeth in West Ham's youth team alongside the likes of Joe Cole, Matthew Carrick and Swansea's own Izzy Iriekpen, completed an initial one-month deal yesterday.

A knee injury, sustained in the 1999 FA Youth Cup final when the Hammers beat Coventry 9-0 over two legs, was a major setback for Byrne, but he is hoping to rekindle his career with Swansea and if that means a longer stay then that is fine by him.

''It's a chance to play first-team football which I need to be doing at the age I am now,'' he said.

''Swansea's aim is to get promotion. They are looking at the play-offs at least.

''I am only here for a month at first, but if everything goes well and they want me to stay for another month or whatever, then of course, I would want to stay.

''I will stay as long as they need me and hopefully help them achieve their aim of getting in the next division.''

Byrne had already received some good reports from old pals Iriekpen and Leon Britton, who also played with him during his Upton Park days.

His month's stay in Swansea will be his first visit to the city, so he is glad to see a couple of friendly faces.

''I have known Izzy for five to six years and Leon for about three,'' said Byrne, who has represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-18, 19, 20 and 21 levels.

''It's nice to come to a club where you already know a couple of people.

''Both Izzy and Brits have told me that Swansea is a good club with a great group of lads. They both said I would enjoy it here''

Director of football Brian Flynn says negotiations regarding another signing before Saturday's clash at Mansfield went on before and after last night's FAW Premier Cup quarter-final at Caersws where Swansea scraped through a tough tie 4-2 after extra-time.

Jonathan Coates and Karl Connolly both equalised after the JT Hughes Mitsubishi Welsh Premier side had twice taken the lead, with Connolly's goal coming in second-half injury time.

Swansea eventually scrambled through with further strikes from Andy Robinson and Kevin Nugent.

''They gave us a scare,'' Flynn admitted.

''We were poor, especially in the first half. We did get a little better after the break and I think our fitness levels told in extra-time.

''Conditions were not good but it was the same for both sides. Anything can happen in cup ties and there is always a chance of an upset and Caersws almost produced one. You have to give them credit, they pushed us all the way.''

In the semi-finals Swansea face Rhyl at Belle Vue on a date to be arranged in March. Wrexham are at home to Cardiff City in the other tie.

Roger Freestone lies in second place as the voting for player of the FA Cup fourth round hots up.

This morning Freestone had polled 39 per cent of the votes and was behind Liverpool's Bruno Cheyrou (41 per cent), with Burnley's Robbie Blake in third on 20 per cent.

Swansea fans have until 5pm Friday to vote for Freestone on www.thefa.com

Swansea City were made to battle all the way before booking their place in the FAW Premier Cup semi-finals with an extra time win over the plucky part-timers from Mid Wales. Having pulled off a famous FA Cup victory against Preston just a few days earlier, the boot appeared to be on the other foot as Swansea faced the prospect of a shock exit in the lucrative BBC-sponsored competition.

This time it was the Mitsubishi Welsh Premier hosts who almost took on the role of giant-killers after forging a 2-1 lead with just seconds remaining at an icy Recreation Ground.

Having played over two minutes of stoppage time, Brian Flynn's men summoned one last raid with Karl Connolly planting his header into the net from a left wing corner to take the tie into extra time.

Caersws kept on battling but their earlier efforts took their toll as the Swans completed victory with extra time strikes from substitute Andy Robinson (102) and Kevin Nugent (106).

The Third Division visitors knew they were in for a fight after finding themselves trailing as early as the 14th minute when Geraint Lewis's firm header released Graham Evans who broke into the box before tucking the ball past goalkeeper Brian Murphy from eight yards.

Both sides adapted to a freezing pitch but it was Caersws who seemed to warm to the occasion with former Shrewsbury midfielder Chris Venables proving a constant threat.

The youngster went close to increasing the lead on 21 minutes when, after linking with Evans on the right, his angled drive from 10 yards was superbly turned away by Murphy.

Swansea provided more urgency after the break, with the introduction of one of Saturday's FA Cup heroes Robinson as a 56th minute substitute.

He gave much-needed impetus in the tricky conditions underfoot.

He soon announced his arrival with one effort being held by Caersws goalkeeper Andy Mulliner on the hour before Swansea got back on terms on 72 minutes when Jonathan Coates crashed the ball home from 16 yards after the hosts had failed to deal with Nugent's header.

Caersws, however, made the perfect riposte four minutes later when Kevin Scott's long throw from the right was only half cleared and the lively Venables drilled a low strike inside the right post from 16 yards.

The villagers were in no mood to surrender the lead as they defended in resolute fashion to repel some late raids.

Nugent squandered a free header wh'?s 25-yard free-kick round the post with time ticking away.

But just when Mickey Evans's men were contemplating a famous upset they were breached two minutes into injury time by Connolly's near post header.

Swansea then forged ahead in extra time, Robinson putting his side in front for the first time on the night on 102 minutes when volleying in from eight yards after Connolly had headed the ball down following Brad Maylett's cross from the right.

And Nugent sealed victory a minute into the second period of extra time when turning inside the right of the box to fire in a low shot following a strong run from skipper Roberto Martinez.

Caersws continued to push forward, with Scott's free-kick being tipped over by Murphy, but Swansea held firm to keep their FAW Premier Cup flag flying much to their and their fans'relief.

GOALS from substitute Andy Robinson and old warrior Kevin Nugent got the Swans out of a gaping hole in sub-zero temperatures at the Recreation Ground last night.

Brian Flynn's men eventually booked their ticket to the FAW Premier Cup semi-finals, but they were so nearly ambushed by the JT Hughes Welsh Premiership part-timers.

Karl Connolly had bagged a second leveller for Swansea deep in stoppage time - this time after a Jon Coates strike was sandwiched in between goals by Bluebirds battlers Graham Evans and the outstanding Chris Venables.

Swansea had given debuts to towering ex-Burnley man Earl Davis in central defence and teenager Kevin Davies at right back. Yet skipper Roberto Martinez, Michael Howard, Brad Maylett and James Thomas' inclusion made it a strong visitors' line up.

Mickey Evans' Bluebirds - a collection of bankers, farmers and tradesmen - are just halfway in the Welsh Premier table but a wind-chill of -10C meant the bitter conditions evened up this contest.

Holyhead referee Brian Lawlor made three pitch inspections before giving the match a green light to start. The Swans must have wished he hadn't as they fell behind after only 14 minutes.

Rank bad defending allowed Geraint Lewis' ball to spilt flat-footed Davis and Leon Hylton. Evans, a former trainee with Aston Villa, advanced before easily drilling past a helpless Brian Murphy.

It was the highly-rated marksman's 20th strike of the season and the busy player threatened once more after Venables had curled in from the left.

Swans boss Flynn was an agitated silhouette on the near touchline as his side were continuously pierced by the eager Caersws raiders.

Former Manchester City keeper Murphy made an excellent save from Venables on the half hour. And the Irishman did even better as the interval loomed - twisting to touch another Venables effort over.

Rookie Lee Surman and Robinson left the bench for Davies and Thomas on the hour as Swansea sought to urgently reshuffle. And the ploy reaped dividends as they pulled level on 72 minutes.

Martinez, Surman and Nugent set things up for Coates whose finish whistled home via a deflection.

But Swansea's defensive faults returned to haunt them only six minutes later as the unmarked Venables pummelled into the net from point-blank range.

The leaping Connolly then saved his side's skins near the death, before overtime goals from Robinson and Nugent sealed the brave Bluebirds' fate.

Swansea City boss Brian Flynn was today closing in on a double transfer swoop with Alan Tate believed to top his list of targets. The Manchester United defender told the Evening Post only last weekend that he would be tempted to return to Vetch Field despite the offer of a one-year contract extension at Old Trafford.

And it is understood Flynn wants to re-sign the 21-year-old centre-back following successful loan spells earlier this season and last term.

With the dust settling on last weekend's memorable FA Cup win over Preston, the Swansea boss has been busy searching for reinforcements ahead of Saturday's testing Third Division trip to fourth-placed Mansfield.

''I've been on the phone to various contacts a lot in the last 24 hours,'' said Flynn.

''We're looking to strengthen defensively and ideally I'm hoping to get two new players in.

''If they are versatile players who can play elsewhere that will be all the better.

''It could be that they are both loan signings, it could be that they are both permanent transfers. It just depends how things work out.''

The former Wrexham boss is also believed to want to add a midfielder and a striker in the coming weeks, but he has played down speculation linking him with a move for another man with United connections, the manager's son Darren Ferguson.

''I had Darren at Wrexham and he's a good player who I admire, but I could tell you a long list of them,'' he added.

''Everyone likes a rumour, and that's all this is.''

The more pressing need is defensive cover given that Kris O'Leary (calf), Izzy Iriekpen (back and knee) and Stuart Jones (fractured elbow) all miss tonight's FAW Premier Cup quarter-final at Caersws (7pm).

The trio are hopeful of playing at Mansfield - though they are by no means certainties for Field Mill - but Flynn will rely on a seriously-weakened defence at Caersws's Recreation Ground.

Youth-teamers Lee Surman and Kevin Davies plus non-contract signing Earl Davis are all in a Swansea squad which is as close to full strength as possible.

Caersws, who lie in mid-table in the JT Hughes Mitsubishi Welsh Premiership, will look to leading scorer Graham Evans for inspiration.

''This is the quarter-final of a cup competition and we're taking the same approach as we did when we played Preston,'' added Flynn, a Premier Cup winner on three occasions with Wrexham.

''We'll play our strongest available side and have had Caersws watched twice.

''Graham Evans is prolific up front and they will be difficult opponents, but we're looking to win.''

Trialists Frank van Eijs, Janne Rasanen and Matthew Delicate have all left Vetch Field, while 15-year-old Scott Evans is set to depart to Manchester City this week.

Lee Trundle, meanwhile, seems unlikely to play for Northern Ireland following an enquiry from new boss Lawrie Sanchez because he is only eligible to represent the Republic.

Today's reserve-team meeting with Cheltenham has been put back to March 31.

Swansea City: from Freestone, Murphy, Davies, Davis, Surman, Hylton, Howard, Martinez, Britton, Robinson, R. Jones, Coates, Maylett, Connolly, Thomas, Nugent, Pritchard.

Huw Jenkins has told Swansea City to concentrate on the league - even though they are just one win away from the FA Cup quarter-finals. Brian Flynn's side are gearing up for a winnable tie at Second Division Tranmere next month as they bid to become the first side from the Football League basement to reach the last eight since Cambridge in 1990.

But with two tough Third Division assignments to come before the trip to The Wirral, the club's chairman is concerned that cup fever could put the club's promotion hopes on the terminal list.

"It is essential that we get our league form back on track," said Jenkins.

"We've got two difficult games against Mansfield and Torquay before we go to Tranmere and they are very important to us.

"Hopefully, we can carry the performance from the Preston game forward and get back to winning ways when there are points at stake because we must push back into the play-off spots at the very least."

Swansea's cup involvement over the weekend did not affect their league position - they remain ninth - but they did fall further behind their promotion rivals.

The play-offs are now five points away from Flynn's men, while Oxford remain 12 points ahead in the final automatic promotion spot.

More worrying is that Swansea have a game in hand on only four of the eight sides above despite their prolonged cup run.

"We're all a bit disappointed with the fifth-round draw," added Jenkins, "but the good thing is we have a realistic chance of getting to the quarter-finals.

"Yes, if we had to be away from home, we would rather have had a glamour tie.

"There should still be a decent crowd there, though, and the prize money for getting through is £150,000, so there is plenty at stake.

"Hopefully if the players can perform as we know they can do, we will be looking forward to the quarter-finals with a few more league points in the bag as well."

FA Cup heroes Swansea will guard against a cup upset of their own when they visit Caersws in the last eight of the FAW Premier Cup on Wednesday.
The Swans have been caught out before against Welsh Premier opposition in the competition, and so will be taking the mid-Wales part-timers seriously.

"We've had two reports on them," said Swansea boss Brian Flynn.

"We go into this one as favourites but we'll give them the utmost respect."

Newport knocked Swansea out at this stage in last stage competition, and Caernarfon served up one of the cup's biggest shocks in 2000 by doing the same at the Vetch.

Swansea, who have twice lost in the final, are the only one of the three Football League not to win the competition. Flynn believes it's about time the club put that right.

"We want to win a trophy," he said. "Last season was a big disappointment when we were comprehensively beaten by Newport in the quarter-final.

"That wasn't very nice. It's an important cup for us."

One major boost for Caersws. who lie ninth in the Welsh Premier, will be the absence of Swansea top scorer Lee Trundle.

The prolific striker is out for up to three weeks following an operation on his fractured cheekbone.

LEE TRUNDLE last night ruled out any chance of playing for Northern Ireland - and putting a spanner in Wales' World Cup qualifying works.

New Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez has targeted the Swansea City star and asked Vetch chief Brian Flynn to see if his 19-goal striker has Northern Irish roots.

Former Wycombe manager Sanchez, whose opening game in charge is against Norway in Belfast on February 18, reckons the Swans forward is the man to end Northern Ireland's dismal 13-match winless run.

But yesterday Trundle doubted whether he was eligible to play for Northern Ireland - and said his dream was to play for rivals the Republic of Ireland.

"I'm not looking for just any way into international football. My heart is set on playing for the Republic," he said.

Trundle was born in Liverpool and is eligible to play for the Republic through his Irish grandfather.

But Sanchez believes Trundle's grandmother might have hailed from Northern Ireland and wants the player to check his family tree.

"As far as I'm aware, I don't have any connections in Northern Ireland, although it's very flattering to know Lawrie Sanchez wants me to play for his team," said Trundle, whose late winner against Preston on Saturday fired the Swans into the fifth round of the FA Cup.

"Anyway, I've wanted to play for the Republic ever since I was a young boy. I'm waiting for the chance to play for them.

"There are a couple of B games coming up next month and I'm hoping to be involved in those.

"I may be from Liverpool, but I definitely feel Irish. I've got a lot of family in Dublin and I go over there when I get a chance.

"It's nice when someone like Lawrie Sanchez, who played at the highest level, wants you to be a part of his squad.

"It's a real pat on the back that he thinks I could do a job for him.

"It shows that I am doing well this season. But I'm afraid he's going to be a disappointed man."

Trundle, out for at least a fortnight with a fractured cheekbone sustained during the 2-1 win over Preston, will sit out the Swans' FAW Premier Cup clash at Caersws tonight.

Swansea are gearing up for an FA Cup frenzy having been given just 2,400 tickets for the fifth-round clash at Prenton Park. That is way below what the club had hoped for and it could be that only season-ticket holders - there are more than 2,500 at Vetch Field - get to see the game.

''Our allocation is 15 per cent of the capacity of the ground,'' said Swansea director Dave Morgan.

''It's non-negotiable, Tranmere say, on police advice. There will be one ticket per season-ticket holder.

''Further announcements will be made later in the week.''

Tranmere's ground holds 16,789 but the average gate this season has been just over 7,000.

The game is not expected to be screened live on TV.

The Ospreys have sought solace from Swansea City after clocking up 10 straight defeats and 100 days without a win. High-flying Swans boss Brian Flynn has told the rugby team not to panic about their current predicament, which saw them go down to their fifth consecutive Heineken Cup reversal in Edinburgh last Friday.

''Brian has told us to keep on going because he's been there himself,'' said Ospreys assistant coach Sean Holley.

''This time last year the Swans were going down to their sixth straight defeat and it was desperate times at the club.

''They were six points adrift at the bottom of the Third Division and looked as if they may be heading out of the league.''

But 12 months on Swansea City are in the last 16 of the FA Cup and in with a shout of getting to the Third Division play-offs.

So the Ospreys have been buoyed by Flynn's encouraging comments as they attempt to arrest the losing run at home to Leeds Tykes at St Helen's on Saturday.

''Brian knows what we are going through and we have to take some inspiration from the way he and the Swansea have turned things around,'' added Holley.

''The bottom line is that we want successful football and rugby teams playing out of the White Rock Stadium.''

Despite his team going down 33-15 in Edinburgh, Holley says he was encouraged with parts of the Ospreys' performance at the Meadowbank Stadium.

The Ospreys went into half-time trailing only 16-12 before the Pool 2 leaders pulled away in the second half.

''We may have lost again but I can't fault the tremendous work ethic and effort from the squad. The tenacity was there in Edinburgh even though the game slipped away in the second half.''

The Ospreys will have to rejig their midfield after James Storey suffered a shoulder injury which could keep him out for up to eight weeks. That could see Tongan Dave Tiueti and Samoan Elvis Seveali'i paired in the centre, though Matthew Brayley could come into the reckoning too.

Brian Flynn, the FA Cup king of Wrexham, believes guiding Swansea City to the quarter-finals next month would be his greatest achievement in the competition. Finer, he reckons, than knocking out the then English champions Arsenal when Wrexham had finished 92nd in the Football League the previous season.

More impressive, too, than the run to the last eight in 1997 and the victories over then top-flight sides Middlesbrough, West Ham and Ipswich during his 12-year Racecourse reign.

And Flynn admits Swansea have a realistic chance of becoming the first side from what is now the Third Division since Cambridge in 1990 to reach the sixth round after being paired with Second Division Tranmere in yesterday's draw.

''To take Swansea to the quarter-finals would be the best achievement yet,'' said Swansea's director of football.

''Getting Wrexham that far was something special, but they were a Second Division club by then whereas we of course are in the Third.

''And it would mean more than all the upsets, especially when you consider the position we were in this time last year.''

He went on: ''Tranmere have a fantastic record in the cup - I think they have reached the fifth round four times in five season - and they will see the tie as a good chance for them to get to the quarter-finals.

''But my players have to believe that we can get there.

''It's the first time we've been drawn away from home, but we are already looking forward to it. If we'd got Manchester United away we'd be talking about what we would do with the money, but with this draw we really can think about getting to the last eight.''

The trip to Tranmere will be extra special for three of Flynn's players - Andy Robinson was released by the Wirral club last summer, Lee Trundle was rejected by them as a youngster and Michael Howard is a former YTS player at Prenton Park.

For Flynn, too, it will evoke memories - he applied for the Tranmere manager's job but was not even given an interview after leaving Wrexham in 2001.

''It was after Dave Watson left and Ray Mathias got it,'' he added, ''but that will not motivate me.

''I'm just pleased for Andy Robinson. He sparked our revival against Preston and has been a revelation for us this season.

''We played him up front in pre-season and it wasn't a great success, but we thought he had an eye for a goal and that's exactly how it's turned out.''

Swansea's FA Cup adventure will go to the back of Flynn's mind this week as he looks to bring in at least two new faces before Saturday's testing league encounter at fourth-placed Mansfield.

Richard Duffy, meanwhile, has completed his move to Portsmouth in a deal believed to be worth £150,000 to Swansea initially.

The 18-year-old penned a four-year contract at Fratton Park after passing a medical yesterday.

Tranmere boss Brian Little has pinpointed Lee Trundle as the man who could unhinge his side's chances of reaching the quarter-finals. The former Aston Villa, Leicester and Stoke manager immediately picked out the striker - scorer of five goals in the first four rounds - as the dangerman to watch in the fifth-round.

"I know he (Trundle) has got an injury at the moment. If he does play he is an obvious talent and Brian Flynn deserves a lot of credit for bringing the best out of him,'' said Little.

''Lee is playing the best football of his career. He is obviously being encouraged to play his own way.

''We are aware of what he offers and we will no doubt have Swansea closely watched.''

Little has had a successful start to his Tranmere career with only two defeats in 13 league games.

Five wins and six draws have come since he took over from Ray Mathias after Wrexham's victory on Merseyside on September 27 and his side have not been beaten at home since then.

He has also engineered cup victories over Chesterfield (3-2), Hornchurch (1-0), Bolton (2-1 after a replay) and Luton (1-0).

Little is confident of making it through to the last eight, but says that his old mate Flynn will have his own reason to be optimistic.

''I am sure he sees the draw the same as myself as an opportunity of progressing to the next round,'' said Little.'''Brian and I are good mates and I am sure at the end, whoever wins, one will pat the other on the back and wish them the best in the next round.''

Broken-cheek victim Lee Trundle has gone into hibernation to ensure he hits the FA Cup headlines again against the club he snubbed in favour of Swansea City. Trundle, scorer of five goals in the four rounds of the competition to date, has been ordered to rest his injury when Swansea travel to Mansfield this weekend and sits out the following Saturday's clash with Torquay through suspension.

That means a return to action for the Scouse striker when Brian Flynn's side do battle for a place in the cup quarter-finals with Second Division Tranmere - a club who tried to sign the 27-year-old last summer having rejected him as a kid.

''I had a trial at the Tranmere centre of excellence when I was 12 or 13 but they didn't keep me on,'' he explained.

''Then I went for talks about joining them at the end of last season but that didn't happen because I knew I was also going to speak to the gaffer down here.

''The big thing about coming to Swansea was working with Brian Flynn and Kevin Reeves again because they get the best out of me and I've got no regrets about my decision.''

It is hardly surprising. Trundle has 19 goals under his belt already this season - comfortably his best tally in the professional game - and has caught the eye of many beyond South Wales with his cup exploits.

Trundle's strikes have been decisive in three of the four cup rounds so far, and he set Swansea on the way to a 3-0 win over Rushden & Diamonds in the other.

He had surgery on his fractured cheek within 24 hours of last Saturday's memorable win over Preston, but with a protective mask due to be fitted tomorrow, he is certain to be back to lead the S'wansea line at Prenton Park.

''We're a bit disappointed not to get a Premiership side having got this far - I've said all along that I want to play Liverpool - but it will be nice to go back home to Merseyside, even if it is on the wrong side of the river,'' said Trundle.

''We were a bit down when we drew Preston, too, but we managed to win that game and must try to do the same again against Tranmere.

''We've beaten another Second Division side in Rushden already, so there's no need to be worried.

''And even though we're away from home, we should have plenty of support to help us along.

''I think they'll need a whole stand to fit my family and friends along with Andy Robinson's and Michael Howard's."

Roger Freestone could follow Lee Trundle by becoming FA Cup player of the round. The Swansea goalkeeper's performance in the 2-1 over Preston was considered good enough to be in the top three showings from round four alongside Liverpool's Bruno Cheyrou and Burnley's Robbie Blake.

Freestone was second in the poll on the Football's Association website www.thefa.com this morning.

He had collected 30 per cent of the votes cast, with Blake in first place with 41 per cent and Cheyrou third on 27 per cent.

Lee Trundle was voted the player of the third round for his two-goal blast against Macclesfield.

Swansea's top-scorer picked up his silver salver before the tie with Preston on Saturday.

New Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez is checking whether in-form Swansea striker Lee Trundle would be eligible to line out for his team.
Sanchez has asked Swansea boss Brian Flynn to ask the player whether he would be interested in making himself available for Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland boss wants Trundle to check out whether he is eligible for the country.

Trundle is believed to have a grandmother who hails from Ireland.

The player scored Swansea's winner in Saturday's FA Cup win over Preston and has caught Sanchez's eye.

The new manager is desperate to find a striker capable of ending Northern Ireland's desperate run of 13 games without a goal.

We'd very much like for him to play for us

Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez
"The centre forward area is somewhere we're looking to improve, " he told BBC Sport. "Lee Trundle's name was mentioned before the game on Saturday.

"I phoned (Swansea boss) Brian Flynn to congratulate him and asked if Lee would be interested and if he has the grandparentage to qualify him for Northern Ireland.

"We're still investigating it, but if it's possible we'd very much like for him to play for us."

Trundle could be ruled out of the next round of the FA Cup after suffering a depressed fracture of his cheekbone against Preston and is rated doubtful for the fifth round tie against Tranmere on 14 February.

Sanchez's opening game in charge of Northern Ireland is a friendly against Norway in Belfast on 18 February.

A dream draw for Swansea's fifth round tie in the FA cup has been dashed today after the Swans drew second division strugglers Tranmere away.

Members of Swansea's squad could not hide their disappointment after the draw.

The Third Division side produced the result of the fourth round in disposing of First Division Preston and were hoping for a more glamorous tie than a trip to Prenton Park.

FA Cup holders Arsenal will face London rivals Chelsea next month in the stand-out tie of the fifth round.

Arsene Wenger's side, chasing a third consecutive cup triumph, have home advantage against Claudio Ranieri's expensively assembled team, who scraped past Conference side Scarborough on Saturday.

The other eye-catching tie is a potential Manchester derby with Sir Alex Ferguson's United drawn at home against Kevin Keegan's City side or Tottenham.

However, Tottenham will be favourites to make the trip to Old Trafford after holding City to a 1-1 draw at the City of Manchester Stadium on Sunday.

Liverpool's reward for putting out Newcastle is a home tie with fellow Barclaycard Premiership side Portsmouth, while West Ham's victory over Wolves has earnt them a trip to more Premiership opposition in either Everton or Fulham, who drew 1-1 at Goodison Park at the weekend.

The final remaining top flight team, Birmingham, face a trip to take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, while Sheffield United will take on the winners of the replay between Coventry and Colchester.

Conference side Telford were disappointed to draw Millwall in the fourth round and will hardly have been delighted to draw Burnley out of the velvet bag this time.

First, however, they must get past the Londoners after their fourth round tie was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch on Saturday.

Ties will be played the weekend of 14 and 15 February.

He handled Ronaldo, but Claude Davis could not stop Lee Trundle prolonging Swansea City's thrilling FA Cup adventure. Only a couple of months ago Preston North End's Jamaican international centre-back was marking the four-time World Footballer of the Year in a friendly with Brazil.

Davis emerged with great credit after Ronaldo was kept quiet in a narrow win for the World Cup holders, handed to them by a goal from Roberto Carlos.

This weekend, faced with the challenge of Swansea's talisman rather than the best player in the finest national team on the planet, the Reggae Boy hit a bum note.

In fact, Davis had done a good job on Trundle, who was a lonely figure at times as First Division Preston enjoyed the possession and territorial advantage they might have expected against lower league opponents.

The one occasion he did get through in the first 82 minutes, just 17 seconds into the match, Swansea's top-scorer was denied by goalkeeper Jonathan Gould.

It seemed Trundle's goal drought, like Swansea's, was heading for the four-game mark and Flynn's side were on their way out of the competition.

Even when James Thomas arrived from the bench to give him some company there was no indication of what was to unfold in the final 10 minutes.

Preston boss Craig Brown admitted afterwards that he already had half an eye on the last 16 after Dickson Etuhu had beaten Karl Connolly to David Healy's corner just before the hour to put the Premiership wannabes in front.

When Andy Robinson, a removal man in Birkenhead 12 months ago whose only knockout experience before this season had come in the Cheshire Cup, curled a magnificent free-kick into Gould's top corner the former Scotland manager was preparing himself for a replay.

Swansea, with Vetch Field still shaking following the equaliser, had other ideas.

And it was almost inevitable that Trundle, rejected by Preston almost a decade ago after a short trial, should strike the decisive blow.

The 27-year-old was involved in the build-up to the winner, twisting and turning in trademark style before laying off to Michael Howard.

Thomas met the full-back's cross at the back post, and Trundle arrived in space near the penalty spot.

Davis, like the rest of the visiting defence, stood statuesque as the ebullient Scouser controlled on his chest before volleying with venom past the helpless Gould.

Cue the sort of delirium in the stands that has been seen only once previously in recent years, when Hull were beaten last May to guarantee the club's Football League status.

There have not been too many cup days to match - Swansea last progressed this far in the competition way back in 1980.

''Before I came here I'd never been past the first round of the cup, so this run has been brilliant for me,'' said Trundle, a scorer in all four ties so far.

''It's been great for everyone at the club. The fans deserve some cup success and I'm just glad that we've got through.

''It was a fine all-round team performance and even when we went behind I didn't think we were out of it because of the players we've got.

''I knew someone could do something special, and Andy Robinson popped up with a brilliant free-kick.

''Then Thommo won a good header and I took it on my chest and put it in.

''I didn't head it because I knew I had time, and besides, a volley looks better than a header,'' he beamed.

There was a fine save from Roger Freestone to deny Eddie Lewis before the end, but this was to be the home side's day.

The victory was all the sweeter for Trundle given that he had collected a broken cheek in a first-half challenge with Davis.

The two clashed again as the contest went on, with Swansea's hero booked for an off-the-ball incident before half-time.

''People who've seen the game on television are telling me that Trundle should have been sent off for trampling on one of my players,'' said Brown, ''so it's a bit galling that he should go and score the winning goal.

''But that's sour grapes and I don't want to take any credit away from Swansea.

''They showed great character and a magnificent attitude to produce that finale, whereas my players showed a lack of moral fibre at the end.

''When you're 1-0 up having played comfortably for 80 minutes you should not concede as softly as we did. Plus we should have made the game safe by going 2-0 up earlier on.''

Preston did have their chances - Freestone again proved that he can still leap with the best of them aged 35 to keep out Healy and was grateful to see the much-vaunted Ricardo Fuller spoon over the bar.

But Swansea had gone close through Leon Britton early on and deserve plenty of praise for this cup upset.

It was not exactly chips against caviar, as Scarborough's meeting with Chelsea at the McCain Stadium on Saturday was dubbed, but the Lilywhites do sit all of 50 places above Flynn's men in the Nationwide League tables.

Their starting XI boasted six full internationals, and was assembled at a cost of more than £3 million in transfer fees.

Only one of Flynn's players, goalkeeper Freestone, came at a price, a meagre £45,000 13 years ago.

But Swansea had the irrepressible Trundle, and it is they who went into the hat today with Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and the rest knowing that one more cup win will take them to the quarter-finals.

''What we wanted was a cracking cup performance,'' said Flynn, the master of the upset in his Wrexham days. ''I think we got that.''

Fa Cup sensation Lee Trundle will be fitted with a protective mask just like his hero Paul Gascoigne in time to lead Swansea City's bid for a quarter-final place. The 19-goal Scouser stayed on to score a late winner against First Division Preston this weekend after breaking his cheekbone in a first-half clash with Claude Davis.

The celebrations did not last long for Trundle. He spent last night in hospital undergoing surgery having scored his fifth goal in four rounds of the cup to send Swansea into the last 16 for the first time since 1980.

He now seems certain to miss next weekend's Third Division tester at Mansfield and will definitely sit out the meeting with Torquay seven days later after collecting a fifth yellow card of the season on Saturday.

But there will be no stopping the 27-year-old continuing his love affair with the cup come round five on Valentine's Day, when he will don a Phantom of the Opera-style protective mask.

''Lee's had an operation on a depressed fracture of the cheek and we're now looking at getting him a mask like the one Leon Britton had last season so that he will be able to play in the next round,'' explained Swansea physio Richie Evans.

''We had a look at half-time and told him it was up to him whether he wanted to come off, but that was never going to happen.''

Trundle's winner came only eight minutes from the end and just moments after midfielder Andy Robinson's arrowing free-kick had brought Swansea level.

Trundle said: ''I was conscious of my cheek, especially when I was going up for headers, and it was in my mind that things could get worse.

''But this is the cup and I was never going to come off.

''I'm desperate to be involved in the next round so I'll be wearing a mask however stupid it makes me look.''

Boss Brian Flynn paid tribute to his side's resilience after they fell behind to a Dickson Etuhu header just before the hour.

He said: ''The lads never gave up at 1-0 and it was a fairytale ending for us.

''Everyone will remember it for a long time because of the way things went for us.

''We went a goal behind to a very good First Division side and people thought it might not be our day.

''Then we equalised through a spectacular free-kick from Andy Robinson, who just over a year ago was playing local league football in Liverpool.

''And then of course everybody's hero got the winner. It was a special day.''

With the draw for the next round this afternoon, Preston manager Craig Brown conceded that no club would fancy a trip to Vetch Field next month.

''We have won away at Nottingham Forest, Millwall and West Ham this season - with respect more difficult places to travel to than Swansea,'' he said. ''But having said that no-one will want to come here in the next round. ''There is not a lot of difference from the Premiership right through. Last year Crystal Palace beat Liverpool and now Chelsea only won 1-0 against Scarborough so anything can happen.

Swansea defender Stuart Jones, who left the field early on Saturday, has suffered a fractured elbow but could still play at Mansfield.

''We'd like to thank the staff at Morriston Hospital who were great on Saturday with Stuart and yesterday with Lee,'' Evans added.

Kristian O'Leary has ruled out naming his new-born son after Swansea City's FA Cup matchwinner - because wife Claire is fed up of hearing about Lee Trundle. Man-of-the-match O'Leary prepared for Saturday's memorable win over First Division Preston with a string of sleepless nights after the couple's second child came into the world last Tuesday afternoon.

The O'Learys are yet to decide what to call the new arrival - but will not be using the name on everyone's lips.

"We can't agree on a name at the moment and we're still talking about it," smiled the Swansea centre-back.

"But it's definitely not going to be Lee because my wife has already said she's sick of hearing about Lee Trundle!"

O'Leary went on: "We've got a four-year-old daughter but we've had to get used to the sleepless nights again this week.

"The baby had the whole house up at 4am on Thursday.

"I've got to say thanks to my wife. She gave me the night off on Friday and I was in the spare room to make sure I got a good rest before the game."

O'Leary's move worked; he was in commanding form against a potent Preston forward line which featured Ricardo Fuller and George Koumantarakis with Northern Ireland livewire David Healy supporting the front two.

Swansea fell behind to a soft goal, when Dickson Etuhu easily beat Karl Connolly to Healy's corner and nodded past Roger Freestone from close range.

But a stunning Andy Robinson free-kick drew Brian Flynn's men level, and Trundle's emphatic volley two minutes later sent the club through to the last 16 of the FA Cup for only the second time in 39 years.

"I was at the club when we beat West Ham a few years back, but even then we only get to the fourth round so to get this far is all new for us," O'Leary added.

"Preston are a quality team and when we went behind I was wondering where the goal was going to come from.

"But Andy has been striking free-kicks like that all season and that's just another cracker to add to his collection.

"Almost straightaway Lee produced another great finish and the feeling around the ground then was superb.

"Now we can look forward to the fifth round. It's going to be a new experience and we're just going to try to savour the moment."

ANDY ROBINSON admitted turning the air blue before sparking Swansea City's amazing FA Cup comeback.

Robinson revealed how he had to get tough with team-mate Lee Trundle to take the long-range free-kick that produced Swansea's 80th-minute equaliser.

Trundle struck a similar set-piece to decide the Macclesfield tie in round three, but there was no chance of the Swans hotshot getting his own way with time running out against Preston.

"We've got a little agreement - he takes them on his side and I take them on mine," said the right-footed Robinson.

"If he had tried to take it on my side there would have been trouble. He was interested in it but I couldn't tell you what I told him to go away. When I looked at it I had to rub my eyes because it was that far out. I thought to myself, 'Just hit it well.'

"The player on the end of the wall was a big fella and I had to get it over him. I don't know if the keeper got a good sight of it, but as soon as it cleared the end of wall I turned and ran away to celebrate.

"It's very pleasing to see one go in like that. I practise them most days after training. The gaffer (Brian Flynn) and Kevin (Reeves, assistant coach) will set things up for me and I'll have a little go."

Twelve months ago Liverpool-born Robinson - released by Everton as a 16-year-old - was playing for Cammell Laird in the West Cheshire League.

And the 24-year-old, who used to work with his father in the removals business, was finding it hard to take it all in after Swansea had removed First Division Preston from the FA Cup.

"Someone's going to have to pull me back down to earth," he said. "This has got to be the highlight of my career.

"To be fair, it wasn't the best game I've played for Swansea. We were chasing shadows for a lot of the first half and that maybe affects your game.

"They're a good team and we knew we were not going to get many chances. When I got the free-kick I thought this could be our last chance.

"But once we scored we were on a high and there was a feeling that we could go on to win it.

"It's an unbelievable feeling to get this far and let's hope we get a big draw in the next round."

SWANS hero Lee Trundle was accused of "theatrical behaviour " after falling inside the Preston penalty box, writes Phil Blanche.

Trundle was at the centre of the post-match inquest as Preston boss Craig Brown questioned whether the striker should still have been on the pitch to score Swansea's 82nd-minute winner.

The chirpy Scouser was booked in the first half after tangling with defender Claude Davis in an off-the-ball incident but escaped punishment later after making what seemed an unsubtle attempt to win a penalty.

'"The referee saw Trundle go down in the box and we all thought it was a little bit theatrical," said Preston goalkeeper Jonathan Gould.

'"I was a little bit upset by it. I went up to him after the game and said you're a good player who doesn't need to do that.

'"Sometimes a player gets booked for that, sometimes he doesn't. But I suppose common sense has to prevail. Although it could have been a second booking it probably wouldn't have warranted a sending off."

If Gould wasn't happy about Trundle's tumble 20 minutes from time with Preston leading 1-0, the son of former Wales manager Bobby purred about the Swans star's ability.

"He's a good player who could probably play higher," said Gould. "He's got good touches, good skill and he can finish. He's got a dangerous left foot and, when he got a decent chance in front of goal, he took it well

"We're just disappointed to lose like that but it's often a problem when you think you've got a game won.

"We'd been expecting Trundle to take those free-kicks and then Robinson steps up and puts it in the top corner."

Trundle, who will have an X-ray today to determine whether he fractured his jaw and cheekbone when caught by a stray Davis elbow, denied that he had dived in order to win a penalty.

"As I went through I just lost my footing and slipped over," he said. "I wasn't claiming a penalty and I wouldn't dive."

On the first-half incident with Davis that ended with a booking on the evidence of the fourth official, Trundle added, "We just crossed paths and collided. I never thought I was going to be sent off as it was an accidental collision."

WHEN Swansea City avoided relegation by the slimmest of margins eight months ago it was going to take something a bit special to rival the drama and excitement of that momentous Vetch Field occasion.

This classic FA Cup comeback - certain to live just as long in the memory - came pretty close.

There was nothing quite so crucial at stake as Football League survival this time, nowhere near as much pressure on Brian Flynn's side and a pitch invasion would have been taking things a touch too far.

But the breathtaking manner in which Swansea came from behind to edge an enthralling cup contest and secure a place in the fifth round of the competition for the first time in 24 years nudged the excitement levels of last season's intoxicating climax against Hull.

And when the two current heroes of the North Bank - Andy Robinson and Lee Trundle - get the goals and Swansea reverse the result of their 1964 semi-final defeat at the hands of Preston, little wonder there was such jubilation at the end of it all.

"It felt a bit like the Hull match afterwards simply because there was such a fairytale ending," Flynn said.

"We went 1-0 down, got back into it with a spectacular free-kick and everyone's hero (Trundle) wins it with eight minutes to go.

"But that's what cup football is all about - heroes. Just look at Andy Robinson. Twelve months ago he was playing for Cammell Laird in the Unibond North West League and here he is now, playing in front of 10,500 passionate fans and producing something magnificent to send him and his team into the fifth round of the cup.

"Just like the win over Hull last season, this is a match people will remember for a long, long time. It's a fairytale story everyone will want to talk about."

And who could blame Flynn for wanting yet another home tie when the draw for the last 16 is made at lunchtime today?

Things might have gone off the boil somewhat in the league, but this is a Swansea side that refuses to lose an FA Cup match at the Vetch.

When Swansea allowed the unmarked Dickson Etuhu to score from a corner 13 minutes into the second half it seemed the home side were heading out of this season's competition with little more than a whimper.

But, given the way things have gone at home this season, we should have known better.

Robinson's stunning 25-yard free-kick 10 minutes from time put Swansea back in the tie and two minutes later Trundle sent the bumper Vetch crowd into raptures with his 19th goal of the season and his fifth in the cup.

"I don't think anyone will relish coming to Swansea in the next round," said Preston's shellshocked manager Craig Brown.

"All credit to them - this was their day. Swansea deserve to go through and I have to be critical of my team for not having the moral fibre to hold onto a 1-0 lead.

"Swansea didn't look like a Third Division side and, to me, this game demonstrated that the gap between divisions one and three really isn't that big.

"Over the course of a season maybe there's a difference, but in a one-off match anything can happen and that has been proved here. Personally, this is one of the most disappointing results I've experienced since I took charge at Preston. We lost to Rochdale in the cup last season and to go out to another lower league side is very disappointing."

The only downside for Swansea was Trundle suffering a suspected fractured cheekbone after Preston defender Claude Davis caught him in the face with an elbow.

Trundle's retaliation in an off-the-ball incident earned him his fifth booking of the season, ruling him out of the visit of Torquay on February 7.

Ahead of the match the smart money was on Swansea taking North End back to Deepdale for a replay, but you got the sense this would not be the home side's day when Trundle spurned a great chance after just 17 seconds and Preston started to rattle the Swans rearguard.

Even more so 13 minutes after the restart when Healy swung in a corner and Karl Connolly allowed Etuhu to open the scoring with a free header at the near post.

But the introduction of James Thomas for Connolly and the subsequent switch from a 4-5-1 system to a 4-3-3 helped Swansea to turn this pulsating encounter on its head. On 80 minutes Leon Britton was fouled just outside the area and up stepped Robinson to claim his sixth goal of the season with a free-kick that thundered into the back of Jonathan Gould's net.

But these days only one man is allowed to have the final word in Vetch cup games.

Michael Howard, pushed into an uncomfortable role at right-back after Stuart Jones went off with a dislocated elbow, provided the cross, Thomas headed back across goal and, almost in slow motion, Trundle chested the ball down and tucked it past Gould from six yards.

"It was a brilliant feeling to get the winning goal again," smiled the Scouser, who will have an X-ray on his jaw today to determine the extent of the damage.

"Before I joined Swansea I hadn't got past the first round of the cup and now we're through to the last 16. It's incredible.

"What I'd love now is the chance to score against a big Premiership team. Let's hope we get a good reward in the next round."

MIDFIELD dynamo Andy Robinson has revealed his dream of coming to blows with fellow boxing lover Wayne Rooney in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The Swansea City star, on the Everton books as Rooney began to emerge at Goodison Park, shared the same boxing background as his fellow Scouser.

And, having never squared up to the England striker in the ring, Robinson would love nothing more than to deliver a cup KO to Rooney and the club that dumped him on the soccer scrapheap at the age of 16.

It's the mouth-watering prospect of a trip to Goodison to face the Toffees hotshot and his Everton side that will spur Robinson on when Swans' adventure continues with the visit of First Division Preston tomorrow.

"It would be a dream come true to play against Rooney and also get the chance to show Everton they shouldn't have let me go," said the 25-year-old, a revelation at the Vetch this season.

"I was at Everton between the ages of 10 and 16 and even then people were beginning to talk about how good Rooney was.

"I never met him - he would have been 13 when I left Goodison - but it's true that we've both done a bit of boxing.

"An ex-professional used to take me along to the gym and he gave me a few work-outs each week.

"I still do a bit from time to time to keep myself fit, but I've never been up to the standard of Wayne or his brother.

"And I'm sorry to tell you that I've never got anywhere near the same boxing ring as him!

"Though we were both at Everton as kids, I can't recall our paths ever crossing.

"But it would certainly be fantastic to catch up with him at Goodison as a Swansea player."

While Rooney went on to enter the record books as the youngest player to play in the Premiership at 16, there was no such fairytale breakthrough for Robinson.

After being shown the door by the Premiership club he had to start from scratch several rungs down the football ladder in the far more humble surroundings of the West Cheshire League.

"Being released by Everton killed me," said Robinson, who ironically grew up a Liverpool fan.

"When you're at a place like that you believe you're going to make it all the way to the top.

"As a kid I idolised people like John Barnes and Peter Beardsley - I even remember turning up at Everton in Liverpool kit, which didn't go down too well!

"But I dreamt of being as good as players like Barnes and playing in a successful team like he did.

"Which is why it was so hard to take when Everton let me go. I was heartbroken. I don't think I came out of my bedroom for two months.

"All you can do, though, is keep believing in your own abilities and realise that there are other things to life than football.

"But it wasn't easy. I had a few trials which came to nothing and had to turn down YTS terms at Plymouth because I was so homesick.

"When you get to the age of 19 or 20 and things still haven't worked out, you start thinking perhaps professional football is not for you."

While he was working for a removal firm - "I earned just enough to get by" - Robinson turned out for Liverpool non-league outfit Cammel Laird.

He was still playing for them up to the end of 2002 but, after unsuccessful spells at Tranmere and Wrexham, was plucked from obscurity by Swans boss Brian Flynn last summer.

"On FA Cup fourth-round day last season I was probably sat in the local boozer watching Liverpool on the box," smiled Robinson, who returns from suspension tomorrow.

"Now I'm going to be playing in front of 10,500 people at Swansea with a chance of playing a Premier League club in the next round.

"When I think of how well this season has gone I have to pinch myself - my life has changed dramatically.

"It's taken four attempts, but I'm finally playing regular professional football and I'm loving every minute of it."

And what chance of that dream trip to Everton - home to Fulham on Sunday - in the last 16?

"It's going to be tough as Preston are a good side with a lot of quality players," he says. "But we'll give it our very best shot and see where it takes us."

Swansea fear it could be stamina – not star quality – which makes all the difference in tomorrow's FA Cup tie with Preston, writes Brian Ellis.

Despite a gulf of 50 places on the Football League ladder, the clash at the Vetch Field might boil down to the survival of the fittest.

And Swans' boss Brian Flynn has been giving his players extra sessions this week to try and get them up to speed with one of the most energetic sides in the English game.

Fitness was high on the agenda when Flynn met his club chairman Huw Jenkins to discuss recent setbacks against Oxford, Bury and Cheltenham.

Jenkins admitted: "Fitness levels was one of the things I spoke to Brian about and we discussed what improvements could be made in that area.

"The main concern is that players coming back from injury are having to go straight back into the team even though they are not match-fit.

"I made my feelings known that what we witnessed in the Bury game (Swansea lost 2-0 at Gigg Lane) was not acceptable. But I can't hide from the fact that Cheltenham (0-0) was not much better.

"It goes without saying that there needs to be an improvement against Preston in the FA Cup as we want to continue to do well in the competition."

Flynn ordered a double session for his players on Tuesday and then took them to an RAF base in the Vale of Glamorgan yesterday for a mini-version of 'Superstars'.

"We always try to do something different before cup games," said Flynn. "We have already been bowling and played tennis this season and this seemed a good idea.

"It wasn't too competitive. It was all football-related and designed to get a bit of camaraderie flowing before the cup match."

Fitness is something star striker Lee Trundle admits he could definitely brush up on. The former non-league player with Chorley, Bamber Bridge and Southport has been the butt of many a joke over his weight and has even been unkindly tagged the 2004 FA Cup 'Tellytubby'.

Trial

"There's definitely room for improvement," admitted the Liverpudlian, who was once turned down by Preston after a short trial. But I'm better than I was. I used to be a stone-and-a-half overweight!"

Trundle, who played half of a reserve game for North End under manager Gary Peters, is keen to show the club just what they missed out on.

"I scored in a reserve game and they asked me to come back," he recalled.

"But there was a bit of a clash because Preston were playing in the Lancashire Cup final at the same time Chorley had an important league match. Because Chorley realised what a chance it was for me they let me join up with Preston and I was sustitute for the game. But I never got off the bench, the manager saying afterwards it was too big an occasion to throw me on.

"I wasn't very happy about that. I was expecting to get at least 20 minutes. And Chorley were understandably annoyed about it too.

"Had Preston given me the chance at 19 I think I would have impressed them.

"At that young age I was desperate to break into professional football and I went to Preston hoping it would offer me a way in. But I was never given a chance in the first team and after that Chorley were reluctant to let me go back for another trial.

"I was 24 before I did break into the professional game. And though I have no regrets about learning my trade in non-league football, I do wonder what might have happened had Preston taken a chance on me."

Trundle is not the only member of the Swansea squad looking for a taste of revenge on North End.

Lenny Johnrose was also rejected after a short trial at Deepdale a decade ago – he was born in Preston and his family still live in the city.

But the former Burnley and Bury player will have to rely on his team-mates doing him a big favour. He is ruled out with a hamstring problem.

Swansea City say they are "relatively happy" after agreeing an undisclosed fee with Portsmouth for Richard Duffy. A deal has finally been agreed for the teenaged defender after Premiership Pompey upped their original bid of £100,000 rising to £150,000 depending on appearances.

Vetch Field chairman Huw Jenkins is refusing to reveal the details of the second offer, but it is understood to be well short of the £500,000 Portsmouth claimed they were ready to pay last month.

As well as an initial lump sum, Swansea will receive further payments based on Duffy's first-team outings at Fratton Park and have also negotiated a sell-on clause for the Brynhyfryd product.

"Virtually everything has been concluded and we are relatively happy with the outcome," Jenkins said.

"But I believe it's the right way forward to keep the fee and the arrangements between the clubs to ourselves.

"I will say that Portsmouth increased their original offer and that we are reluctantly accepting.

"We have said all along that we wanted to keep Richard, but he wants to go and will be free to leave when his contract expires in the summer anyway.

"What we didn't want to do was gamble on going down the tribunal route and possibly ending up with less compensation than the fee we have agreed."

Full-back Duffy, who has already agreed personal terms with Portsmouth, will head to the south coast next week for a medical before his transfer is completed.

Jenkins indicated that money received for the 18-year-old will be pumped back into Brian Flynn's squad.

"We are trying to strengthen the team and a deal like this will help secure the foundations we are building within the club," he added.

Stuart Jones will not exactly shed a tear when Richard Duffy finally waves goodbye to Swansea City. Good mates they may be - the two teenagers have grown up together in the Vetch Field youth set-up - but as wet-behind-the-ears professionals they have become rivals.

Jones, who had broken through to the first-team ranks last season, began this campaign on the right side of Swansea's defence, with Brian Flynn tipping him for great things in Division One if not the Premiership.

Duffy, meanwhile, was still making his way in the reserves, until injury struck.

Jones went down with ankle trouble which would sideline him for the best part of three months and his pal took his chance.

Duffy, 17 months Jones's junior, has racked up 22 appearances, making such an impact that he is now on the brink of a move to the top flight with Portsmouth.

Jones, who had three years at Manchester United as a kid before being told he was too slow, would be forgiven for feeling a little envious.

The quiet 19-year-old insists, however, that a determination to reassert his claim for a starting spot is at the forefront of his mind.

''Maybe I was a little bit jealous seeing Richard play all those games and establishing himself,'' he admitted, ''but he is a good mate of mine and, if I had wanted anyone to come in and take my place, it would have been him.

''Now it looks like he could be leaving, and obviously that leaves a space.

''I will be the only recognised right-back at the club if Richard goes - Kris O'Leary can play there but he's a centre-back really - so hopefully I can get a good run in the side.

''The gaffer has said he wants to bring another right-back in to strengthen the squad, but if I'm playing well he can't leave me out.

''It's up to me to take this opportunity.''

Jones returned to first-team action at Bury a fortnight ago on the left side of defence as emergency cover for injuries, and was back in his more natural role for last week's goalless draw with Cheltenham as Duffy kicked off a five-match ban.

''They haven't been the two best performances we've produced all season and I think it's going to take a couple more games before I'm fully match fit again,'' adds the Aberystwyth product.

''The season started so well for me because I hadn't expected to play. I got in the side and kept my place until the injury and so that was really frustrating.

''Richard's done a brilliant job whenever he has played and I just hope I can do something similar myself.''

Keeping a potent Preston forward line at bay on FA Cup debut tomorrow would not be a bad way of staking a claim.

''It's a massive game for me and I'm really excited about being involved,'' continued Jones.

''Preston are a really decent First Division side, but they have got to come down here so that gives us an extra chance.

''On our day at the Vetch we can give anyone a scare, so hopefully I'll be able to go home tomorrow night and watch us win on Match of the Day.''

Preston-born Lenny Johnrose knows where his loyalties lie tomorrow. Johnrose, who is forced to sit out the Vetch Field clash with a hamstring strain, will watch from the stands with a couple of pals who will be cheering on the visitors.

''I hope we give them a good hiding,'' he said.

''There will be definitely no sitting on the fence as far as I am concerned.

''I will watch the game with a couple of mates and there will be a few more in with the visiting fans, but I will be supporting the lads.''

Johnrose expects to be on the sidelines for two to three weeks after picking up his hamstring injury in the 0-0 draw with Cheltenham last Saturday.

While he is disappointed to miss the chance to play against Preston, he is philosophical about his injury misfortune.

''Of course it's really disappointing to miss this game,'' he said, ''but I would be just as upset, if not more, if it was a league game I was missing.

''I would imagine I will be out for two to three games. It is pretty sore at the moment but it's not the worst injury in the world.

''I did it stretching for the ball in the last few minutes of the game. I suppose it's Sod's Law that it happened and I miss this week, but it's just one of those things.''

Johnrose admits that he and his Swansea team-mates have not been at the top of their games in the past few weeks, but sees no reason why they cannot cause and upset and dump Preston out of the cup.

''I am sure we can do it,'' he said. ''We haven't been on top form recently but last week I think Cheltenham came out of the game with a lot of credit because they did a job and played well.

''But we showed against Oxford and Yeovil just what we can do and if we play as well as as we did in those games then we have got a great chance.

''Of course they have a strong group of players and they are doing well in the First Division, but just as they seemed to be getting their away form sorted, they go and lose at home to Wigan last week, so they are not unbeatable.

''They have got quality players all over the pitch like Ricardo Fuller, David Healy and Chris Lucketti, but if we go out with a positive attitude and can get an early goal, then anything can happen.''

Johnrose is expecting to be part of a bumper crowd and he is sure the Vetch Field faithful will have a massive part to play if Swansea are to perform a giantkilling act.

''It will be a carnival atmosphere,'' he said.

''The fans here are really passionate and always get behind the team.

''I am sure it will be no different tomorrow and I know they can do their bit to help get the right result.''

Swansea City's players will share a £30,000 prize pot if they topple First Division Preston in round four of the FA Cup tomorrow. The Evening Post understands every member of Brian Flynn's squad will bank a bonus of around £1,500 as part of a scheme set up by the club at the beginning of the season, whether they are in action against the Lilywhites or not.

The cash will come from the £75,000 winners' cheque received by each club who progress to the fifth round of the cup this weekend.

Vetch Field chairman Huw Jenkins refused to confirm the sums of money involved, but admitted Swansea's players would be rewarded should they take club into the last 16 of the competition for only the second time in almost four decades.

''What I will tell you is that this is one of the biggest bonuses paid out to the players at this club in a long time,'' he said.

''And that's exactly how it should be in any cup game.

''The club stands to earn a lot of money if we can beat Preston and it is only right that some of that should go to the players.''

Swansea's hopes of a payday have been boosted by the news that Kris O'Leary and Michael Howard should both be fit to start in defence, while Andy Robinson returns in midfield after suspension.

Flynn's biggest selection poser is up front, where he must decide whether to stick with Kevin Nugent alongside Lee Trundle or reinstate James Thomas after he scored for the reserves in midweek.

Preston boss Craig Brown also has a choice to make in his three-man frontline, with star man Ricardo Fuller - subject of a £2million bid from Wolves which was rejected this week - a possible non-starter because of knee problems.

The 17-goal Reggae Boy came through training yesterday but may be rested and replaced by South African international George Koumantarakis.

The Lilywhites, currently seventh in the First Division having lost only twice in 16 matches, also have a doubt over skipper Chris Lucketti.

''Whoever plays, we know they will be a very good side and that if we're not on our game we will be in for a tough time,'' said director of football Flynn.

''But we know that if we play to our best and certain things go right for us, we've got a chance of reaching the fifth round. We're not just thinking we'll have nice day in ront of a big crowd and then forget about the FA Cup for another year."

Flynn, who developed a reputation as the master of the cup upset during his 12-year Wrexham reign, took his players for a fun day at RAF St Athan yesterday.

He went on: "We're flying the flag for Wales now and the lads are looking just right.

"We've said all along that we want to become known as a good giantkilling side and this is our first real chance to start doing that.

"There are financial rewards on offer as well as prestige, plus it's a chance for the players to test themselves against a good First Division side in front of a big crowd. It should be a cracking tie."

Former Scotland boss Brown has put his side on shock alert following their defeat by lowly Rochdale in last year's competition.

"We've got awful memories of that day and we don't want something similar tomorrow," he said.

A few tickets for the game will be on sale on the North Bank (turnstiles 13-15) and East Terrace (6-8) before kick-off.

Swansea, meanwhile, have been warned off transfer target Christian Edwards by angry Bristol Rovers chairman Geoff Dunford.

Rovers have reacted after Flynn re-affirmed his interest in the 28-year-old centre-back.

''They're out of order,'' said Dunford. They've been talking to his agent and all it is doing is unsettling Christian.

''I am very disappointed in the way Swansea have handled this.

''I've already told their chairman that Christian is a Rovers player - he signed a three-year deal here and we are not interested in selling.''

Swansea City have finally reached agreement with Portsmouth over the transfer fee for Richard Duffy. The 18-year-old right back will travel to the Premiership club early next week for a medical before making the switch.

Swans chairman Huw Jenkins said they had secured a six figure sum as an initial transfer fee, which will increase depending on appearances.

"We are reasonably happy with what we've finally concluded the deal at," Jenkins told BBC Wales Sport.

"We wish Richard all the best in the future and hope he achieves as much as he can in the game."

Swansea had offered Duffy a new three-year contract with improved terms, but the lure of heading for Fratton Park to join Harry Redknapp's south coast outfit has proved too strong.

Jenkins added that the funds from the transfer will be made available to director of football Brian Flynn to sign new players.

MIDFIELD dynamo Andy Robinson has revealed his dream of coming to blows with fellow boxing lover Wayne Rooney in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The Swansea City star, on the Everton books as Rooney began to emerge at Goodison Park, shared the same boxing background as his fellow Scouser.

And, having never squared up to the England striker in the ring, Robinson would love nothing more than to deliver a cup KO to Rooney and the club that dumped him on the soccer scrapheap at the age of 16.

It's the mouth-watering prospect of a trip to Goodison to face the Toffees hotshot and his Everton side that will spur Robinson on when Swans' adventure continues with the visit of First Division Preston tomorrow.

"It would be a dream come true to play against Rooney and also get the chance to show Everton they shouldn't have let me go," said the 25-year-old, a revelation at the Vetch this season.

"I was at Everton between the ages of 10 and 16 and even then people were beginning to talk about how good Rooney was.

"I never met him - he would have been 13 when I left Goodison - but it's true that we've both done a bit of boxing.

"An ex-professional used to take me along to the gym and he gave me a few work-outs each week.

"I still do a bit from time to time to keep myself fit, but I've never been up to the standard of Wayne or his brother.

"And I'm sorry to tell you that I've never got anywhere near the same boxing ring as him!

"Though we were both at Everton as kids, I can't recall our paths ever crossing.

"But it would certainly be fantastic to catch up with him at Goodison as a Swansea player."

While Rooney went on to enter the record books as the youngest player to play in the Premiership at 16, there was no such fairytale breakthrough for Robinson.

After being shown the door by the Premiership club he had to start from scratch several rungs down the football ladder in the far more humble surroundings of the West Cheshire League.

"Being released by Everton killed me," said Robinson, who ironically grew up a Liverpool fan.

"When you're at a place like that you believe you're going to make it all the way to the top.

"As a kid I idolised people like John Barnes and Peter Beardsley - I even remember turning up at Everton in Liverpool kit, which didn't go down too well!

"But I dreamt of being as good as players like Barnes and playing in a successful team like he did.

"Which is why it was so hard to take when Everton let me go. I was heartbroken. I don't think I came out of my bedroom for two months.

"All you can do, though, is keep believing in your own abilities and realise that there are other things to life than football.

"But it wasn't easy. I had a few trials which came to nothing and had to turn down YTS terms at Plymouth because I was so homesick.

"When you get to the age of 19 or 20 and things still haven't worked out, you start thinking perhaps professional football is not for you."

While he was working for a removal firm - "I earned just enough to get by" - Robinson turned out for Liverpool non-league outfit Cammel Laird.

He was still playing for them up to the end of 2002 but, after unsuccessful spells at Tranmere and Wrexham, was plucked from obscurity by Swans boss Brian Flynn last summer.

"On FA Cup fourth-round day last season I was probably sat in the local boozer watching Liverpool on the box," smiled Robinson, who returns from suspension tomorrow.

"Now I'm going to be playing in front of 10,500 people at Swansea with a chance of playing a Premier League club in the next round.

"When I think of how well this season has gone I have to pinch myself - my life has changed dramatically.

"It's taken four attempts, but I'm finally playing regular professional football and I'm loving every minute of it."

And what chance of that dream trip to Everton - home to Fulham on Sunday - in the last 16?

"It's going to be tough as Preston are a good side with a lot of quality players," he says. "But we'll give it our very best shot and see where it takes us."

Leon Hylton is set to boost Swansea City's FA Cup hopes by returning to face First Division Preston at Vetch Field on Saturday. The left-back, who has endured a chequered season with injury, missed the last two league fixtures with Bury and Cheltenham because of ankle problems, but now after playing 90 minutes in the reserve side's win over Plymouth on Tuesday, he is set for a starting place in the fourth-round tie.

Director of football Brian Flynn is confident Hylton will make his comeback on Saturday, bolstering a defence which could be without Kristian O'Leary, who is still doubtful with a calf strain.

Flynn recognises that if Swansea are to spring an upset he has to send out a virtual full-strength side.

That was why he was delighted to see Hylton back in action in the reserve side's win over the Second Division leaders' second string.

''Leon came through Ok,'' said the director of football. ''He got a slight knock and received some treatment yesterday, but he should be ready for Saturday.

''Leon's had a frustrating season with injuries so it will be good to have him back. Obviously we need the best players in their positions that is key.

''We need to be as close to full strength as we can be and at our best if we are to beat Preston.

''Lenny Johnrose did a great job when forced to play left-back last week, but we need Leon or Michael Howard in there.''

Howard is progressing well as he recovers from his hamstring injury but he is unlikely to be fit in time.

The Swansea squad were today being put through their paces at RAF St Athan as their preparations for Saturday's cup tie continue.

''It's just a bit of fun,'' said Flynn, who always arranges something special for his players in FA Cup week.

''The facilities there are magnificent and we will getting the lads involved in some exercises.

''It will be nothing too hard and will be all based on football skills. They certainly won't be training to fly Harrier jets!''

Lee Trundle will receive his award for being voted the player of the third round before Saturday's clash.

Meanwhile Richard Duffy's transfer to Portsmouth is set to be completed.

Chairman Hugh Jenkins had further talks with the Premiership club yesterday and it seems an agreement over a fee could be reached within the next 24 hours.

''I think we will resolve things tomorrow,'' he said. ''We have been in discussions with Portsmouth and it looks like we will come to an agreement and Richard will get his wish to move to the South Coast.

''Like I have said previously, from our point of view we do not want the situation to drag on if we can help it.

''It's unfair to everyone involved and we need to know what direction we are going in over the next week or two so we can look to the future.''

Tony Singleton - just mention that name to one of Swansea's FA Cup heroes of 40 years ago Jimmy McLaughlin and it sends shivers down his spine. Singleton was the Preston centre-half whose freak goal ended McLaughlin's and Swansea's dreams, on March 14, 1964, of a Cup Final appearance at Wembley.

And while the former Northern Ireland international left-winger has sketchy memories of the game itself at a boggy Villa Park, he still has pictures in his mind of Singleton's big hoof upfield which looped over Noel Dwyer in the Swansea goal.

''How can I ever forget it?'' said McLaughlin. ''I shall always remember his name and that goal!

''It was more like a clearance than a shot on target and I just remember it going over Noel's head and into the back of the net.

''In those days, Noel would push up behind our defence, so he would have been on the edge of his penalty area. He had no chance.''

Dwyer had been the hero in an epic quarter-final at Anfield when Second Division Swansea toppled Bill Shankly's Liverpool 2-1 with goals from McLaughlin and Eddie Thomas.

McLaughlin had also been on target in the replay wins over First Division Sheffield United and Stoke City in rounds four and five and he gave the Swans the lead in the semi-final.

He says that was the last telling impact he had on the game after being chopped down by the opposition full-back.

''After that I was finished and in those days there were no substitutes,'' he admitted.

''I can't remember much about the goal. I think Derek Draper set me up.

''After beating the likes of Sheffield United, Stoke and Liverpool, there was no reason for us to believe that we couldn't win the game, and when we went in front it just strengthened the belief.

''They got a penalty which wasn't a penalty and then got that freak winner.

''Some people asked whether the game should have gone ahead because of the state of the pitch, but you can't live life on ifs and buts.

''That was the way it was and we just had to take it. There were no complaints on that score.''

McLaughlin, now 63, works in the oil industry and lives in Dundalk.

Signed for a then record £16,000 from Shrewsbury at the start of that memorable season, McLaughlin went on to play 123 games for Swansea.

After leaving for Peterborough - he later rejoined Shrewsbury - he returned to South Wales in the early 1970s as player-coach under Harry Gregg and even acted as secretary at the club for a short time.

He then moved on to a successful career in management with Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Derry City and Drogheda, winning league titles, Irish Cups and taking his teams into Europe before retiring from the game.

But it was that FA Cup run to the semi-final that he remembers most.

''1964 was a great year for the team,'' he said. ''We really thought we could get to the final. It was a fantastic cup run but maybe we just missed that experienced head.

''We were a young and enthusiastic side with some good players but maybe an older head in the team would have helped us.

''I would love to see those players again now, especially Herbie Williams. He may even buy me a pint!''

So what of Saturday's replay 40 years on? ''It's cup football, so anything can happen,'' said McLaughlin. ''We beat Liverpool and no-one expected us to do that and just look at Wolves upsetting Manchester United last week.

''It's a one-off game so there is a chance and I will be hoping that Swansea come out winners this time round.''

Kevin Nugent has urged Swansea City to follow the Cobblers' footsteps when they challenge Preston for a place in the FA Cup fifth round this weekend. Northampton Town landed a plum tie with Manchester United next Sunday by upsetting First Division Rotherham in round three.

And Nugent believes that with the help of a sell-out home crowd at Vetch Field on Saturday, Swansea can emulate their Third Division rivals by toppling a side from the top tier of the Nationwide League.

"It would be an upset if we beat Preston, but Northampton beat Rotherham in the last round and they have been rewarded with a game against Manchester United," he said.

"That was recently, and you can look at results throughout FA Cup history to know that we've got a chance.

"It's certainly not beyond us, especially as we're playing at home.

"There's going to be a big crowd backing us and that can be a major plus because Preston won't be relishing coming down to the Vetch.

"Anyone in football knows it's a difficult place to come, and it will certainly be a different from the replay they had at Reading."

Nugent was at the Madejski Stadium last week to see Craig Brown's men overcome Reading in front of a muted 9,000 crowd.

Goals from Richard Cresswell and George Koumantarakis saw Preston deservedly stretch an impressive run of form to one defeat in 15 games, although they were beaten on home soil by Wigan in the league last Saturday.

"Preston looked a good side all over the pitch," Nugent added.

"They were missing a few players at Reading but others just slotted in without any fuss. They passed the ball round well and their work rate was very high, which made it difficult for Reading.

"Ricardo Fuller wasn't playing, but I was chatting to one of the Preston lads afterwards who said that when he is on top of his game he is unstoppable.

"But I'm not sure what they'll make of coming to the Vetch.

"We know we will have our work cut out and that we have not been in the best of form lately, but hopefully we will be able to produce one of the better performances that we know we're capable of.

"We've under-performed of late and rightly received some criticism, but the pressure will be off us to a certain extent this weekend because there are no league points at stake and hopefully that will serve us so well. Being the underdogs can help.

"And there's no doubt that beating Preston and reaching the last 16 of the cup - which would be a great achievement for any Third Division side - would be an ideal way to get the squad's confidence back up."

Swansea City's challenge for an automatic promotion place is slipping away faster than John Leslie's career. While the former Blue Peter presenter finds himself mired in more controversy, the Swans continue to make heavy weather of matches they should be winning comfortably if they are serious about finishing in the top three in their section.

They are throwing away points too easily and have not scored in four out of their last five league games.

A look at the Division Three table tells us they are now 12 points behind third-placed Oxford.

Brian Flynn, meanwhile, remains optimistic. ''I'm not downhearted,'' he announced about the 0-0 home draw with lowly Cheltenham Town.

''Yes, we've lost touch a little, but there's still 19 league games to go and, as we proved last season, that's plenty of time to recover.''

It is, but Swansea are making life difficult for themselves.

They desperately need someone to provide scoring support for Lee Trundle, who has claimed 40 per cent of the club's goals this season. Without him, Swansea's concerns might be of the more serious variety, involving the preservation of the club's league status rather than how to win promotion.

But it is foolhardy to expect too much of one player. Others need to take responsibility and contribute more in front of goal. Hopefully, the service will improve now Roberto Martinez has returned.

Flynn clearly hopes that the amiable Spaniard recaptures the form he showed when inspiring the Swans over the final third of last term.

But colleagues at the Vetch for the Cheltenham game say it was painfully apparent that Martinez has some way to go before achieving match fitness.

Like all the other Swans players, he was due to be take part in a club version of Superstars today, with Flynn having lined up a series of endurance and skill tests along the lines of the TV programme.

Never mind stars of the 'super' variety. Any sort of stellar presence would do for the Swans at the moment.

SWANSEA CITY star Lee Trundle has an extra incentive to dump Preston out of the FA Cup this weekend - the Lancashire club could have spared him six years trudging round the non-league circuit.

The top-scoring Swans striker hopes to continue his special relationship with the Cup when Craig Brown's side visit the Vetch for Saturday's intriguing fourth-round tie.

Trundle has already banked four goals in this season's competition and scooped the accolade of player of the third round for his sensational two-goal performance in the 2-1 win over Macclesfield.

And adding extra spice this time round is the fact Preston denied the Liverpool-born striker the chance to break into professional football at the age of 18.

Despite being impressed enough to hand Trundle a trial when he was playing for Chorley back in 1995, North End did not give him the opportunity to make a first-team splash.

Trundle then had to wait another six years before his big breakthrough finally did come, a £60,000 move from Rhyl to Wrexham in February 2001 marking his arrival in the Football League.

"Had Preston given me the chance at 19, I think I would have impressed them and who knows where that might have led?" said the Scouser.

"At that young age I was desperate to break into professional football and I went to Preston hoping it would offer me a way in.

"But I was never given a chance in the first-team and Chorley were reluctant to let me go back for another trial.

"I was 24 before I did break into the professional game. And though I've got no regrets about learning my trade in the non-league, I do wonder what might have happened had Preston taken a chance on me."

Trundle went on trial at Deepdale when Gary Peters was in charge and current Everton boss David Moyes was a mere No 2.

"What happened was I scored in a reserve team game against Stoke and they asked me to come back," said the 27-year-old front runner.

"There was a bit of a clash because Preston were playing Blackpool in the Lancashire Cup final at the same time Chorley had an important league match.

"Because Chorley realised what a chance it was for me, though, they let me join up with Preston and I was a substitute for the Cup game.

"But I never got off the bench, the manager saying afterwards that it was too big an occasion to throw me on.

"I wasn't very happy about that. I was expecting to get at least 20 minutes because, as I said, I felt I would have impressed.

"And Chorley were understandably annoyed about it too."

Nine years on and Trundle, who went on to play for Stalybridge and Southport in between stints at Chorley and Rhyl, is relishing tangling with a Preston side now managed by former Scotland boss Brown.

And, having gone three games without scoring, it is not as if Swansea's 18-goal hotshot needs any extra incentive to help the Vetch club through to the fifth round for the first time in 24 years.

"The lads have been ribbing me for going through a bit of a goal drought, but I'm aiming to put that right on Saturday," said Trundle.

"I can't wait for this game. Everyone's so excited about it. And there's no better incentive for us than the chance to meet a Premiership team in the next round."

Kristian O'Leary is in a race to be fit for Swansea City's FA Cup fourth-round clash with Preston at Vetch Field on Saturday. The 26-year-old, one of only two senior centre-backs in Brian Flynn's squad, has not trained since last weekend's goalless draw with Cheltenham because of a calf strain.

O'Leary, whose wife Claire gave birth to a son yesterday, was undergoing further treatment today as was the man he will be up against in front of a bumper Vetch crowd if both players come through.

Preston's £5million-rated striker Ricardo Fuller is a doubt for the First Division club because of long-term knee problems.

The 17-goal Jamaican international, the Lilywhites' star man, may miss the trip to South Wales despite making his latest comeback in the club's 4-2 defeat by Wigan last weekend.

For the second season in a row, Fuller's knee is regularly swelling up after matches.

Last term, he ended up damaging cruciate ligaments and boss Craig Brown is desperate to avoid a repeat.

That means he could be left behind rather than risked at the Vetch in a game the First Division hopefuls may feel they can win without him.

That news will be a fillip for Swansea, who could also be boosted by the return to fitness of Leon Hylton and Michael Howard.

Both left-backs have sat out two matches and are needed given that understudy Lenny Johnrose is facing three weeks on the sidelines after limping out of the Cheltenham game with a hamstring strain.

Kieron Durkan (hamstring) and Richard Duffy (suspended) also definitely miss out on the cup, but Swansea are confident that midfielder Leon Britton (hip) and centre-back Izzy Iriekpen (knee), who have both missed training this week, will be okay.

"Apart from Lenny and Kieron, Kris O'Leary is the only doubt at the moment," said Vetch physio Richie Evans.

"He has not been able to train, but his calf is getting easier with time and we are hopeful that he will come through."

Should O'Leary fail to make it, non-contract signing Earl Davis could be in line for a dramatic debut. The former Burnley youth-team skipper, released by the Clarets last summer, is yet to make a senior appearance outside two loan spells in the Nationwide Conference.

Preston have slight concerns over central defensive trio Chris Lucketti, Marlon Broomes and Claude Davis and are definitely without the suspended Michael Jackson.

But former Scotland boss Brown will be boosted by the return of Northern Ireland striker David Healy.

There were some tickets on sale for the tie at Swansea's club shop this morning, with a capacity 10,500 home crowd expected.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins, meanwhile, was today hoping to thrash out a fee with Portsmouth for Duffy after further talks yesterday came to nothing.

SWANSEA CITY plan to flex their muscles ahead of the big FA Cup clash against Preston - by taking part in their own Superstars competition.

Boss Brian Flynn has decided to take his team to RAF St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan tomorrow for a mini-version of the television endurance programme.

The training session with a difference will double as a team-bonding exercise ahead of Saturday's fourth-round tie against Craig Brown's team.

"It'll be along the lines of Superstars, though perhaps not quite as strenuous!" said Flynn.

"We always try to do something different before cup games - we've already been bowling and played tennis this season - and this seemed like a good idea.

"I'm told the facilities in the hangars at RAF St Athan are fantastic so we thought we'd take advantage of them for the day.

"As well as using the gym, the players are going to play a bit of golf, basketball and take part in various other activities that have been lined up for them.

"It's not going to be too competitive. It's all football-related and designed to get a bit of camaraderie flowing before the cup match."

Flynn will hope it does the trick as his side are aiming to recover from two below-par performances in the league to put on a show against Preston.

A near-12,000 sell-out crowd is expected at the Vetch as Swansea lock horns with the side that beat them 2-1 in the semi-final of the competition back in 1964.

Flynn was hoping for good news on the injury front last night with left-back Leon Hylton due to make his comeback in a reserve outing against Plymouth.

"Preston in the FA Cup would be the biggest game of my career, so I'm desperate to be fit for it," said the former Aston Villa defender.

FORMER Cardiff City midfielder Layton Maxwell has launched a stunning attack
on Bluebirds boss Lennie Lawrence - accusing him of picking players on
reputations alone.

The ex-Wales Under-21 star blasts Lawrence for freezing him out of the
first-team picture at Cardiff and leaving him with little option but to
bring a premature end to his Ninian Park career.

Maxwell, now bidding to start afresh 45 miles down the M4 with bitter rivals
Swansea, claimed that even if he was playing well he stood no chance of a
regular First Division run-out.

"The way it went for me at Cardiff was frustrating because maybe there were
a couple of players who were on the team-sheet through reputation alone and
not through form," claimed the 24-year-old.

"I don't think that's right. Everyone should get a fair chance."

Rhyl-born Maxwell was rarely a regular fixture in the City side in his first
couple of seasons at Ninian Park, losing out to the likes of skipper Graham
Kavanagh, Willie Boland and Mark Bonner.

But the former Liverpool trainee, who put behind him 10 years of Anfield
schooling to try his luck at Cardiff in August 2001, said he felt he
deserved a chance to prove himself in the First Division after impressing in
the warm-up matches.

"Pre-season before going into Division One was an exciting time for everyone
at Cardiff," he said.

"Lennie Lawrence didn't sign many players and so I thought I had a real
chance.

"Notts County came in for me over the summer, but I sat down and had a chat
with Lennie and he told me the decision was mine.

"I decided to stay and go on the pre-season tour to Sweden, where I got
man-of-the-match in one of the games and things went well.

"But, though I was on the bench for the first game of the season at
Rotherham, the manager then signed two more players in Richard Langley and
Alan Lee and I was back in the reserves."

Maxwell was restricted to just one start - in the 4-1 Carling Cup win over
Leyton Orient on August 12 - and one substitute appearance before asking for
a move in November.

"I felt there was no future for me at Cardiff and I asked the manager if
something could be sorted out," said Maxwell.

"Within four weeks everything was finalised and I had left."

It was not the smoothest of departures as Maxwell had to agree a settlement
on the remaining six months of his Ninian Park contract.

Now that he has cut his ties with the Bluebirds, though, Maxwell is keen to
prove Lawrence was wrong to leave him out in the cold at Cardiff.

He arrived on trial at the Vetch seven days ago with a mission to earn
himself a Swansea contract and a fresh start in Division Three.

And he vowed, "Hopefully I can get involved in Swansea's promotion push and,
if we could get there, it will be in Lennie's face."

Life at the Vetch got off to a comical start when Maxwell, knowing fitness
is the first thing he has to prove to Swans boss Brian Flynn, collected an
ankle injury as he trod on the ball just 20 minutes into his first training
session.

That will keep him on the sidelines for another couple of weeks, but
Maxwell, who has also been training with Second Division Blackpool in recent
weeks, hopes it will not be too long before he ends his exile from
first-team football.

"I should be back to full training by the end of this week and within a
fortnight I hope to play a reserve-team match," he said.

"The most important thing for me to do is get match fit to give myself half
a chance.

"There's been no talk of contracts with Swansea yet. At the moment I'm just
desperate to be playing again.

"Because I haven't played for a while Swansea just want me to get fit, play
a couple of games and we'll see what happens then.

"It's good to be working with Brian Flynn. Wrexham were my local team when I
was growing up in Rhyl and I have always admired him as a manager.

"It's nice to think that with a bit of luck I could be playing for him
before too long."

Swansea City are hoping a change of manager at Bristol Rovers could pave the way for Christian Edwards to return to Vetch Field. Ray Graydon, the man who ruled out a move when Brian Flynn enquired about the 28-year-old centre-back a fortnight ago, parted company with Rovers yesterday.

And Swansea's director of football has already been in touch with Edwards's agent over the possibility of a transfer back to the club he left for Nottingham Forest almost six years ago.

''I don't know whether Ray Graydon's going will affect our chances of signing Christian Edwards,'' Flynn said.

''His agent spoke to me yesterday morning to ask me what the situation was here and I was asking him what the situation was with Christian.

''At this stage I'm not sure what will happen because I don't know what Rovers want.''

Edwards, from Caerphilly, received a warm welcome when Rovers drew 0-0 at the Vetch earlier this season and is thought to be keen on a return to South Wales.

The former Welsh international features high on Flynn's list of targets as he seeks an experienced defender to reinforce a squad left thin on cover by the retirement of Jason Smith and Alan Tate's return to Manchester United.

Rovers coach and new caretaker boss Phil Bater may be keen to keep hold of Edwards, who has recently been installed as club captain at the Memorial Stadium thanks to some impressive form following his summer switch from Forest.

But Swansea's Third Division rivals may see their hand forced by finances after Graydon's departure. The ex-Walsall manager had three years to run on what is understood to be an extremely lucrative Rovers contract and will not walk away for nothing.

Another option for Swansea could be 25-year-old Finn Janne Rasanen, who arrived at the Vetch on trial yesterday.

The 6ft 2in central defender, who has spent five seasons with Tampere United in Finland's top flight, will play for Flynn's second string at home to Plymouth tonight (7pm) if the club can get international clearance.

Fellow trialists Frank van Eijs and Matthew Delicate will be involved, along with club skipper Roberto Martinez and Karl Connolly.

Left-back Leon Hylton makes a welcome return ahead of Saturday's FA Cup clash with Preston after having missed two matches with an ankle problem.

Swansea were hoping to move closer to agreement with Portsmouth over Richard Duffy's move to the South Coast today after brief talks yesterday.

The two clubs need to settle on a transfer fee after 18-year-old Duffy agreed personal terms with Pompey last week.

There are a limited number of places available for supporters' hospitality at Saturday's game with Preston.

The package includes a ticket for the game, a programme and hospitality.

For further details contact Lesa Hitchings on 07810 512434.

Meanwhile, tickets for the Wales v Scotland friendly on February 18 go on sale tomorrow.

Tickets can be purchased from Ticketline UK by ringing 08700 667799 or at their offices at 47 Westgate Street, Cardiff.

SWANSEA CITY players were put through a double training session yesterday as they stepped up preparations for Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round clash against Preston.

The extra workout was held as Swans chairman Huw Jenkins revealed the fitness of the players was one of a number of issues he raised in a meeting with director of football Brian Flynn.

Jenkins was angered by Swansea's dismal performance in their 2-0 defeat at Bury 10 days ago - labelling it "totally demoralising" - and admitted Saturday's scoreless draw against Cheltenham offered scant improvement.

And he insisted Flynn's men must respond to the setbacks by working harder in the build-up to the coming matches - including having some extra fitness sessions.

"I made my feelings known that what we witnessed in the Bury game was not acceptable, but I can't hide from the fact that Cheltenham was not much better," said Jenkins.

"It goes without saying that there needs to be improvement against Preston in the FA Cup as we want to continue to do well in the competition.

"But what we've got to do is adopt a more clinical, winning mentality rather than the more mundane approach we might have towards league matches.

"Some of our recent performances have not been up to the level we expect and the only response is to pull together and work that little bit harder.

"Fitness levels was one of the things I spoke to Brian about and we discussed what improvements could be made in that area.

"The main concern is that players coming back from injury are having to go straight back into the team even though they're not match fit.

"But it wasn't just a case of picking on that aspect. We've looked at all the things that happen in the build-up to matches to make sure everyone has the right mental attitude."

Swansea are unlikely to make any new signings ahead of Saturday's tie as the deadline has passed for players being registered for the cup clash.

But Jenkins said, "I would expect there to be one or two new faces before we go to Mansfield a week on Saturday.

"We've often talked about the need to bolster the defence, but if you ask Brian he would probably want to strengthen in other areas as well."

Flynn had just 15 fit professionals available for the Cheltenham game and the situation is not expected to improve significantly this week.

Andy Robinson returns from suspension in midfield, but defence will be the biggest concern as Leon Hylton, Michael Howard and Lenny Johnrose are all struggling to shake off injuries.

Roberto Martinez is convinced Swansea City will be promoted this season - even if it takes a last-minute winner at the Millennium Stadium next May. And the injury-plagued club skipper is equally adamant that his fitness problems are behind him after making only a fifth league start of the campaign in Saturday's stalemate with Cheltenham.

''I have never known it to be anything other than a rollercoaster ride at Swansea City,'' the midfielder said.

''And so if we have to go through to the play-offs and achieve it in the last minute, then we will do that.

''But I know there will be a prize for us at the end of the season and I cannot wait.

''I understand the supporters are a little bit frustrated right now, but I ask them to keep faith in the team because we will not let you down.

''We have got 19 league games still to play - that's a lot of points to play for - and if we can play to our potential over that period we can reach the top three.''

Automatic promotion seems increasingly unlikely after a run of one win in eight league matches.

That Martinez, who was clearly hampered by his knee problems during Saturday's comeback, should now rediscover the form of last season could be key to Swansea's chances of arresting the decline.

''It's been a nasty injury,'' he added, ''but I am on the right recovery route and I'm very happy to be playing again. I need games so that I can get with the tempo again and start to strike the ball with full power.

''I am 100 per cent confident that my knee will stand up for the rest of the season, it's just a matter of playing games so I can get back to my full potential.''

Boss Brian Flynn is ready to nurse his captain back but will step up his search for new signings before Swansea's next league outing, the testing trip to Mansfield in 12 days' time.

''Roberto's generally fit now, it's just the striking of the ball that isn't quite right yet,'' he said.

''But he feels he's nearly there and we have to give him time considering that Cheltenham was his first game in three months and his second in six.

''Roberto has set himself high standards since joining us, and I know he will get back there.''

Flynn wants two new defenders and could also move for a midfielder and striker in a bid to spark his side's waning promotion challenge.

No additions are likely before next Saturday's FA Cup clash with Preston, though, as the deadline to register players for that competition has already passed.

Lenny Johnrose looks like missing the cup clash with hometown club Preston after straining his hamstring.

Young centre-back Earl Davis has joined on a non-contract basis, and will play for the reserves against Plymouth at the Vetch tomorrow night (7pm).

Tickets for the Preston tie will go on general sale at 9am tomorrow, with the club forecasting a 10,500 sell-out for home fans.

Many more days like this and Brian Flynn's automatic promotion pledges will be approaching Comical Ali territory. Swansea City did not lose against Cheltenham Town, as the director of football pointed out, but on home turf they failed to beat a side whose only goal this season is to avoid a second consecutive relegation.

For Flynn's men there was an improvement on the Bury bungle of seven days earlier, but it was marginal.

Only one side in the Third Division had conceded more goals than the Bury defence Swansea could not breach - Cheltenham.

But for the third game in succession Lee Trundle and Co failed to find a way through.

No one on the North Bank had minded the first blank a couple of weeks ago, for that was against the misers of Oxford at the top of the league.

That feeling changed just a little when news that Hull had put four past Ian Atkins's side filtered through on Saturday night.

There were two high-flying clubs who Swansea stood shoulder to shoulder with not so long ago.

Not anymore.

A run of only one win in eight league matches has seen Flynn's side slip to ninth in the table, their lowest position this season.

They remain firmly in the hunt for a play-off place, but Hull are almost out of sight at the top on 56 points compared to Swansea's 41.

Oxford occupy the third and final automatic promotion slot, a healthy 12 points clear of the Vetch Field side.

And to think it all started so well, when Swansea topped the table with 22 points after 10 league matches.

The next block of 10 - the way Flynn divides up a season - produced a less impressive 13, leaving Swansea five points short of the all-important top three at the 20-game mark.

Seven matches into stage three and just six more points have come, leaving Swansea in danger of losing touch.

Did the latest failure condemn them to the play-offs at best?

Not according to the director of football.

''We're still in their fighting,'' he declared.

''And I'm not downhearted.

''I have to admit six points in seven matches isn't good, but I know what this bunch of players is like.

''I accept that if we are serious about automatic promotion then these are the sort of games you have to be winning.

''Teams are going to come down here between now and the end of the season looking to stop us play, as Cheltenham did.

''We have to deal with that and I know we've got the players who can do that for us by producing something out of the ordinary.

''They've shown that the sparkle and the quality is there earlier in the season and I know we are capable of putting a run together now.''

He went on: ''There's certainly a gap between us and the top three, I can't deny that, but we are still chasing and I know the run will come.

''While there is a chance there for us, we will keep pursuing it.

''Yes, we've lost touch a little, but there are still 19 league games to go and, as we proved last season, that's plenty of time to recover.''

Fair point. One year ago yesterday Swansea suffered their sixth straight defeat at York and looked certainties for the Conference.

Then Roberto Martinez arrived.

The hugely influential Spaniard was back for only the fifth start of an injury-plagued season this weekend, the weight of expectation hanging firmly on his shoulders.

Right now, midfield string-puller Martinez is more concerned about his suspect knee.

Often on Saturday he would switch to his weaker left foot or use the outside of the right boot to avoid striking cleanly through the ball.

The 30-year-old says the confidence will return within a couple of games. All at the Vetch, most of all Flynn, hope he is right.

Leon Britton did his best to inspire against a well-organised Cheltenham outfit, but this was a contest at the other end of the thrills scale to the seven-goal classic these two clubs had served up back in August.

Cheltenham had chances without really frightening Roger Freestone, while Swansea carved the two best opportunities inside seven second-half minutes.

First, Karl Connolly's chip allowed Trundle a half-volley which was beaten away by Shane Higgs.

Next, the Robins keeper was saved by the woodwork when Connolly shot from the edge of the box.

The rebound spat out to Stuart Jones in front of a gaping net, but the teenaged defender scooped awkwardly over the bar and two more points were deservedly lost.

Swansea will almost certainly slip further off the pace when the FA Cup returns next weekend, then comes a stiff test of promotion credentials at Mansfield when they return to league action in a fortnight.

An away win then, and those fans who booed Swansea off on Saturday may start believing again.

BACK in August the football world was a brighter place.

Wales were on course for Euro 2004 in Portugal, Rio Ferdinand was untainted and anticipating a full season and Swansea City were shading seven-goal thrillers.

Oh, for a Whaddon Road spectacular right now. As Swansea were firing blanks for the third successive game it was almost impossible to stretch the mind back to that dizzy day when Lee Trundle's hat-trick turned a 3-1 deficit into a 4-3 triumph.

"I suppose 0-0 was a safe bet after what happened up there," said Swans boss Brian Flynn. "It is a concern that we're not scoring goals at the moment but hopefully we can deal with that in the near future."

Whether that means new striking blood is on the way remains to be seen, but it is undeniable that Swansea's shyness in front of goal is starting to cost them dear.

Results elsewhere on Saturday dropped them to their lowest league position of the season. Ninth spot is not a crime, especially - and Flynn is always ready to press this point - as Swansea were scrapping for their lives this time last year.

Energised by the talismanic Trundle, Swansea probably over-achieved in the first half of the campaign. When you possess a striker at the peak of his goal-scoring powers then most opponents will be swept away.

Bottle the flow though and that strength becomes a weakness. That much was apparent long before Graham Poll's final whistle signalled Trundle's longest drought of the season - three matches without a goal.

"We've found in the last three or four games that if we don't play well we don't get the confidence to score," said Swans skipper Roberto Martinez, making a welcome first start since the end of October despite clearly lacking match practice.

"That's something we have to correct. When Lee is enjoying his game he can score goals out of nothing.

"That's a great help, but we need to score goals from every single angle and not put too much pressure on Lee.

"We lacked quality in the last third," bemoaned Flynn. "They were very highly-organised and difficult to break down and we just needed to produce that bit of quality which we know we've got.

"But I'm not downhearted because I know the bunch of players I've got here. I have to admit that six points out of the last seven games is not good but we're still in there fighting (for promotion)."

Six of the Swansea players who had figured at Cheltenham were on parade again, but the tedium of the first period could not have been further removed from that seven-goal special under a summer sky.

Swansea failed to fashion a solitary chance as the urgency of the suspended Andy Robinson was missed and Brad Maylett, possibly short of full fitness, offered width on the right but scant penetration.

So the visitors shaded the first half with Martin Devaney springing from deep to test Lenny Johnrose, asked to fill an uncustomary left-back station because of injuries to Michael Howard and Leon Hylton, with his pace and trickery.

But Johnrose stuck to his task well before picking up a hamstring strain which is almost certain to rule him out of Saturday's FA Cup tie with Preston and present Flynn with another defensive headache.

Lone Robins' striker Damian Spencer enjoyed the clearest sight of the target before the break, but he failed to execute a difficult skill when Michael Duff's header dropped over his shoulder in the six-yard box.

Swansea simply could not get any worse and there was a significant second-half improvement as Trundle went through his repertoire of back heels, feints and shimmies and Leon Britton broke free from his midfield marshalls to enjoy a couple of twisting runs.

Trundle forced Shane Higgs into an acrobatic save after connecting sweetly with a left-foot volley, but Swansea's best moment came shortly after the hour mark.

Britton found Karl Connolly from a well-worked short corner routine and his shot from the edge of the area beat Higgs to strike the inside of the far post. Even then the chance was not gone, but Stuart Jones shinned the rebound over a gaping goal and lost the tag of hero status in the same instant.

The contest continued to open up with James Thomas providing extra impetus in the home attack and Swansea grateful that it was Karl Henry, rather than namesake Thierry, on the end of two chances straight at Roger Freestone.

Three minutes remained when Trundle made room for a curled effort from 20 yards which Higgs clutched at the base of a post but, on the day, perfect timing always seemed likely to elude Swansea.

SWANSEA CITY skipper Roberto Martinez believes his injury hell is over.

Spanish maestro Martinez started a game at the Vetch for the first time since suffering knee ligament damage during a 3-0 victory over Boston on August 22.

And, after emerging unscathed through 90 minutes of the goalless draw with Cheltenham, Martinez predicted that the knee would stand the rigours of the second half of the season.

"I'm 100 per cent confident that the knee will be OK now," said Martinez, who briefly returned in October only to break down after two substitute appearances and one start at Rochdale.

"It's been a long time but the healing process has been fine. A rupture in the medial ligament is a nasty injury and I had a couple of setbacks.

"Richard Evans (club physio) and the doctors kept a close eye on me and the recovery route was right. It's been frustrating but it was a great feeling to be out there at the Vetch again.

"It's hard to go straight back in after so long out. My fitness and striking the ball is something that will come with games. But I was happy because it was the first 90 minutes for a long, long time and the way the knee reacted was very positive."

Martinez admitted that he could have done with a reserve-team outing to build up his fitness and rued the cancellation of the Bristol City fixture in midweek.

"That game being called off didn't help me," he said. "I need games to adapt to the tempo of matches and to strike the ball at my full potential.

"I know I have to get better but I can't wait for the rest of the season because I know we are going to achieve something."

Swansea's promotion flame might have dimmed in dropping to ninth spot, but Martinez believes there is a certain symmetry with last season's survival exploits.

"In a way, there is a similar situation now as last year," he said. "When I joined there were 19 games left and the prize at stake was staying in the league.

"We've got 19 games left now and we are playing for another prize - a place in the Second Division. If we can put a run of form together like we did 12 months ago then we will claim our prize.

"We've got a lot of points to play for and, if we can reach our potential, we'll be up there in the top three. Obviously if we have to go through another route we'll take that.

"I have never seen Swansea City without a roller-coaster, so if we have to go through the play-offs and achieve it in the last minute of the play-off final we'll take that.

"I understand the supporters have been a bit frustrated, but I would say to them keep the faith in the team because we won't let them down."

IT might be just 48 hours since Brian Flynn saw one of his young defenders lured away to the Premiership - but he is already tipping his replacement to make it into the top flight too.

The Swans boss told The Western Mail of his disappointment that 18-year-old rookie Richard Duffy chose this week to join Portsmouth rather than accept the offer of a new contract at the Vetch.

Softening the blow, though, is the fact Flynn has a ready-made replacement in the shape of Stuart Jones, 19, who will come in at right-back for Fratton Park-bound Duffy when Swansea take on Cheltenham at the Vetch today.

And, though he could be forgiven for hoping Jones does not achieve quite such a rapid rise to fame as his friend, Flynn believes the former Manchester United schoolboy also has the potential to compete at the highest level.

"Stuart has got the ability to make it all the way to the top," said Swansea's director of football. "He's a different type of player to Richard, but the thing about him is he's got great character - mentally, he's very strong for his age.

"Combine that with the talent he has and you've got someone who possesses the qualities you need to succeed at the highest level."

Ironically, it was Jones, not Duffy, who everyone was tipping to catch the eye of other teams before the season had begun.

And it was thanks to an injury to Jones that Duffy was able to enjoy an extended run in the Swansea first-team and earn himself a near £400,000 dream move to the south coast.

But Flynn expects equally big things of Jones and insists the fact he was schooled at Old Trafford between the ages of 14 and 15 will help him climb the football pyramid.

He said, "Even though he was just a young lad, Stuart will have taken quite a lot from the time he spent at Manchester United and it will hold him in good stead for the future.

"You can't help but learn from spending time at a place like Old Trafford - even if it's only for a few months.

"And once you're part of the inner circle there - something that can start from the age of eight or nine - you are well thought of.

"If Stuart does make the step up to the Premiership one day, he will have a good idea of what to expect as a result of his time at United."

After a teenage taste of life at Old Trafford, Aberystwyth-born Jones was picked up by Swansea and has progressed through the club's once-prolific youth production system.

Despite making the big first-team breakthrough last season, injuries - and the emergence of Duffy - have restricted him to just six starts so far this term.

But with Duffy on his way out - technically he is still a Swansea player as Portsmouth have yet to agree a fee for his services - the season begins afresh for Jones.

"Can Stuart have a run in the first team? Well, it's down to him to play well and hold onto his place," said Flynn.

"Certainly, I've got every confidence in his ability. He's a good defender, good going forward and comfortable on the ball.

"He's good in one-on-one situations and, like Richard, can also play in the centre or at left-back."

As for Duffy's departure, Flynn admitted he would have liked to have seen the Swansea-born youngster spend more time at the Vetch before making the big step up.

"You can't blame Richard for going to Portsmouth as it's a great opportunity for him," said Flynn.

"And who knows? He might burst onto the scene and have a good run in the first team.

"But I wanted him to stay at Swansea because I felt in the short term his development would have been better enhanced at the Vetch.

"And one of the things I said to him was that in 12 months we could be in the Second Division and Portsmouth might be back in the First.

"Richard, I feel, is one for the future. But it goes without saying that we wish him all the best at Portsmouth."

Back to the present, though, and Jones will form part of a reshuffled defence today as Swansea aim to recover from last Saturday's shambolic 2-0 defeat at Bury.

With Michael Howard, Leon Hylton and Kieron Durkan all nursing injuries, Lenny Johnrose is expected to be switched to left-back with Karl Connolly coming into midfield.

Club captain Roberto Martinez will also return to the starting line-up as Andy Robinson is suspended.

Cheltenham's scoreless draw against Lincoln in midweek means eighth-placed Swansea go into the match three points adrift of the play-off places.

"We've got to grind out a result from this one," admitted Flynn. "I want us to play well - especially after our poor performance at Bury - but you have to say it is more important we get three points."

* SWANSEA'S FA Cup clash against Preston is not all-ticket, but supporters are advised to buy tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

Tickets are available to season ticket holders now and go on general sale on Tuesday.

SWANSEA CITY defender Richard Duffy said the chance to join Premiership new boys Portsmouth was "just too good to turn down".

The 18-year-old has chosen to quit the Vetch and accept Pompey boss Harry Redknapp's invitation to move to Fratton Park.

The two clubs were last night trying to thrash out a deal for the teenager - and bring down the curtain on a transfer saga that has lasted more than a month.

"Chances like this don't come along too often. I've got to take this opportunity while it's there," Duffy told The Western Mail.

"I could stay at Swansea for the rest of the season but will Portsmouth still want me at the end of it? It's best I take this chance while it's there for me.

"It's every player's dream to play in Premier League. It's my ambition and I've been given a chance to achieve that ambition."

The Swans offered Duffy, out of contract at the end of the season, a three-year deal in a bid to keep him at the Vetch.

But on Wednesday night the right-back met with Swans chairman Huw Jenkins and told him he wanted to move to the south-coast outfit.

The two clubs were last night locked in talks over a fee for Duffy, who only broke into the Swansea first team this season.

But until Swansea and Portsmouth agree on a fee for Duffy, he remains one of Brian Flynn's players.

Jenkins has already rejected one Pompey bid - reputedly £150,000 up front plus £25,000 for every 10 first-team matches he plays.

In the unlikely event of the two clubs failing to agree terms, Duffy is unable to play for the Swans against Cheltenham at the Vetch tomorrow since he has to serve a five-match ban after picking up his second red card of the season at Bury last week.

"I have to thank the gaffer, Brian Flynn, for giving me my chance," said Duffy, who has made 13 outings this term.

"If he didn't give me my chance then we wouldn't be talking about me going to Portsmouth right now.

"I'd also like to thank Kevin Reeves (Flynn's No 2) and all the players at Swansea."

He added, "Even though Portsmouth are a Premiership club, this has been a difficult decision for me to make.

"I'm from Swansea and I'm playing for my hometown club. I love playing at the Vetch and I love the Swansea fans.

"On my part, it wasn't a decision to be rushed. I sat down for a couple of days with my mum and dad to talk about it, although the final decision was mine.

"The offer from Portsmouth is just too good to turn down. They are a Premier League club. I hope people in Swansea understand that I really have to take this chance.

"There are top-class players at Portsmouth such as Teddy Sheringham and Patrik Berger. I want to learn from those players and better myself as a footballer.

"I realise it's going to take me time to adjust to being at a Premiership club. I'm aware that, if the deal goes through, I'm not going to play for them straight away.

"Some young players don't make it when they go to a bigger club. I hope I'm one of the players that does make it and that I do play at the top level. I'm just waiting for Swansea and Portsmouth to agree a fee - I really hope they do."

Jenkins has fought hard to keep Duffy but yesterday he conceded defeat in his battle to keep him at the Vetch.

"Richard has made his decision and he wants to go to Portsmouth. It seems they have made him an offer he can't refuse.

"While it's disappointing to lose him we have to accept that. Although we don't want him to go, we can't stand in his way.

"We have to get the best deal possible for the club. We regard Richard as a big asset and we want to get as much as we can for his transfer.

"But we are realistic enough to know transfer fees are not as high as they were a few years ago.

"We want to settle things with Portsmouth quickly so we can concentrate on making sure we get promotion."

Brian Flynn could sign four new faces to re-ignite Swansea City's promotion challenge - but looks to have lost his battle to strengthen before tomorrow's home clash with Cheltenham. The Vetch Field director of football has been given the go-ahead to raid the transfer market by chairman Huw Jenkins following the departures of Lee Jenkins, Alan Tate and Andrew Mumford, the retirement of Jason Smith and the impending sale of Richard Duffy.

But Flynn has so far been frustrated in his recruitment drive and will rely on a patched-up defence when Swansea bid to bounce back from their Bury bungle this weekend.

Stuart Jones will replace Duffy - who, Swansea player or not, begins a five-match ban tomorrow - at right-back having filled in at left-back last Saturday.

That job seems most likely to go to midfielder Lenny Johnrose tomorrow as Michael Howard and Leon Hylton continue to struggle with injuries.

Johnrose's switch means Roberto Martinez will be jettisoned back into the starting line-up, while Jon Coates is favourite for a recall in the absence of the suspended Andy Robinson.

The one piece of positive news in a frustrating week for Flynn is the return of Brad Maylett, who sat out at Bury with a groin problem but has now been passed fit to replace latest casualty Kieron Durkan.

''We are going to be stretched tomorrow,'' said Flynn, who has only 15 senior professionals available including on-loan teenager Richard Jones.

''And yes, I have been working hard to get someone in this week.

''That doesn't look likely now, but I can assure you it's not been for the want of trying. It's just that as always, we've been looking for the right player and they are not always easy to find.

''Lee Jenkins has gone and we're assuming Richard Duffy is going, so it's plainly obvious that we need a right-back.

''The same could be said about centre-back given that we've lost Jason and Alan Tate is now back at Manchester United.

''A defender has been my priority this week, but we've got a chance to bring in one or two more and that's what I'll be looking to do for the final push this season.''

With the fourth round to come in eight days' time, Flynn had hoped to find a player eligible to turn out in the FA Cup.

Given that the deadline to register players for that competition passes today, it seems Swansea will be going with what they have against First Division Preston.

For now the focus is on the club's Third Division campaign, with what would be only their second win in eight league matches and a return to the play-off places the target this weekend.

''We are looking for a response following Bury and the lads have worked hard this week towards that goal,'' Flynn added. ''We're without a league game next week while most of the other sides do play, so it's important that we get a good result against Cheltenham to make sure we stay in touch.''

SWANSEA CITY defender Richard Duffy said the chance to join Premiership new boys Portsmouth was "just too good to turn down".

The 18-year-old has chosen to quit the Vetch and accept Pompey boss Harry Redknapp's invitation to move to Fratton Park.

The two clubs were last night trying to thrash out a deal for the teenager - and bring down the curtain on a transfer saga that has lasted more than a month.

"Chances like this don't come along too often. I've got to take this opportunity while it's there," Duffy told The Western Mail.

"I could stay at Swansea for the rest of the season but will Portsmouth still want me at the end of it? It's best I take this chance while it's there for me.

"It's every player's dream to play in Premier League. It's my ambition and I've been given a chance to achieve that ambition."

The Swans offered Duffy, out of contract at the end of the season, a three-year deal in a bid to keep him at the Vetch.

But on Wednesday night the right-back met with Swans chairman Huw Jenkins and told him he wanted to move to the south-coast outfit.

The two clubs were last night locked in talks over a fee for Duffy, who only broke into the Swansea first team this season.

But until Swansea and Portsmouth agree on a fee for Duffy, he remains one of Brian Flynn's players.

Jenkins has already rejected one Pompey bid - reputedly £150,000 up front plus £25,000 for every 10 first-team matches he plays.

In the unlikely event of the two clubs failing to agree terms, Duffy is unable to play for the Swans against Cheltenham at the Vetch tomorrow since he has to serve a five-match ban after picking up his second red card of the season at Bury last week.

"I have to thank the gaffer, Brian Flynn, for giving me my chance," said Duffy, who has made 13 outings this term.

"If he didn't give me my chance then we wouldn't be talking about me going to Portsmouth right now.

"I'd also like to thank Kevin Reeves (Flynn's No 2) and all the players at Swansea."

He added, "Even though Portsmouth are a Premiership club, this has been a difficult decision for me to make.

"I'm from Swansea and I'm playing for my hometown club. I love playing at the Vetch and I love the Swansea fans.

"On my part, it wasn't a decision to be rushed. I sat down for a couple of days with my mum and dad to talk about it, although the final decision was mine.

"The offer from Portsmouth is just too good to turn down. They are a Premier League club. I hope people in Swansea understand that I really have to take this chance.

"There are top-class players at Portsmouth such as Teddy Sheringham and Patrik Berger. I want to learn from those players and better myself as a footballer.

"I realise it's going to take me time to adjust to being at a Premiership club. I'm aware that, if the deal goes through, I'm not going to play for them straight away.

"Some young players don't make it when they go to a bigger club. I hope I'm one of the players that does make it and that I do play at the top level. I'm just waiting for Swansea and Portsmouth to agree a fee - I really hope they do."

Jenkins has fought hard to keep Duffy but yesterday he conceded defeat in his battle to keep him at the Vetch.

"Richard has made his decision and he wants to go to Portsmouth. It seems they have made him an offer he can't refuse.

"While it's disappointing to lose him we have to accept that. Although we don't want him to go, we can't stand in his way.

"We have to get the best deal possible for the club. We regard Richard as a big asset and we want to get as much as we can for his transfer.

"But we are realistic enough to know transfer fees are not as high as they were a few years ago.

"We want to settle things with Portsmouth quickly so we can concentrate on making sure we get promotion."

Swansea coach Kevin Reeves is wary of the threat posed by John Ward's Cheltenham side as City prepare for the clash at the Vetch Field.

Defeat at Bury last week left the promotion-chasing Swans desperate for a victory against a side who are fourth from bottom in the table.

But Reeves said: "Any team can do well against anyone in this division.

"John Ward always has his teams well organised. They'll be a very difficult side to play against and make it very difficult for us."

Reeves denies Dyche swoop
Swansea coach Kevin Reeves has dismissed speculation that the club is about to make a bid for Watford defender Sean Dyche.

City director of football Brian Flynn admitted the Swans were interested in signing a new defender at the turn of the year, a search which may intensify if Richard Duffy decides on a move to Portsmouth.

But Reeves insisted the Swans had made no moves to bring Dyche to the Vetch Field.

He said: "Sean Dyche was one of a number of players we talked about a couple of weeks ago but we didn't approach Watford about it.

"He was just a name being banded about along with a few others."

Richard Duffy has ended weeks of speculation by confirming he wants a move to Premiership Portsmouth. The will-he-won't-he saga ended last night after the full-back broke his decision to Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins and it is now up to the two clubs to thrash out a deal for the 18-year-old defender.

One bid from the South Coast club has already been knocked back but now Jenkins has had to accept defeat reluctantly in persuading the youngster to stay.

Jenkins wants the negotiations to be completed in the next couple of days and is determined to get as much as he can for the rising star.

''Richard has made his decision and he has told us he wants to go to Portsmouth,'' said Jenkins.

''It seems that they have made him an offer he can't refuse and while it's disappointing to lose him, we have to accept that.

''Richard has got to get on with what he wants from his career.

''From our point of view, although we don't want him to go, we cannot stand in his way.''

Swansea allowed the Brynhyfryd product, who has also drawn the attention of Southampton, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest after breaking into Brian Flynn's side this season, to talk to Portsmouth last week.

Duffy, his father and agent Wayne Elsey met chief executive Peter Storrie at Fratton Park and was offered terms.

Jenkins said Swansea had done all they could to persuade Duffy to stay at Vetch Field, but his mind was now made up.

''What I said to Richard was that we would give him an extension to his contract for what he wanted, up to three years,'' he said.

''It was then left up to him to come back and tell us what he wanted to do.

''If he had decided to stay then we could have looked at finalising the contract, but that is just a hypothetical offer now.

''At the end of the day it's his profession and everyone has got to look after themselves.

''As a club we can see what a difficult decision it was for him and his family.

''While we are obviously disappointed from the Swansea City point of view to lose such a good young player, we can see why he, and others like him in the same position, would make the decision he has.

''What it does show to other youngsters is that Brian Flynn will give you a chance and then there are possibilities to further careers just like Richard intends to do.''

Jenkins wants to conclude matters sooner rather than later so Swansea can move on as a club.

''I want to stress we are not disappointed with anything that Richard has done and we wish him all the very best for the future,'' he said.

''We hope that his career develops in the way that he wants it to.

''Of course we wanted him to stay because we thought we could work with him for a couple more years, but that was not to be.

''We have to negotiate with Portsmouth to get the best deal possible for our club.

''We obviously value Richard very highly and we regard him as a big asset. That means we want to get as much as we can for his transfer.

''We are realistic enough to know that transfer fees are not as high as they were a few years ago.

''It's hard to put a figure on it but we will be trying our best to get the right price so we can then move the club forward again.

''We want to settle things with Portsmouth quickly so we can concentrate on making sure we get promotion.''

Portsmouth are continuing to build for the future after agreeing terms with Swansea City's young Welsh defender Richard Duffy.
The 18-year-old versatile starlet, who can also operate in midfield or attack, has made 18 league appearances for The Swans this term while also featuring in the FA Cup.
Although the two clubs are yet to agree a fee for Duffy, the teenager has thanked the Welsh side for their part in enabling him to join the Premiership club.
"Richard is delighted to agree personal terms with Portsmouth," said his agents Grass Roots Management to skysports.com.
"He feels that it is a fantastic opportunity to further his career and one that he could not turn down.
"Richard would like to thank Swansea for giving him the opportunity to talk to Portsmouth, especially chairman Huw Jenkins, who have been very understanding and supportive."
Pompey boss Harry Redknapp is known for his wheeling and dealing in the transfer market and it appears the South Coast side have a star for the future.

Ian Hunt talks to former Scotland boss Craig Brown, the manager who stands between Swansea City and their first appearance in the fifth round of the FA Cup for 24 years

FOR Craig Brown, two words are synonymous with Swansea City FC ... John Toshack.

Brown has been there, done it and worn the T-shirt in world football, leading Scotland against Ronaldo and the rest of the Brazilian superstars in the 1998 World Cup.

But the Preston boss, whose team come to the Vetch next week in the fourth round of the FA Cup, argues the Swans are pioneers of the European game.

Certainly when it comes to the role of player-manager, anyway.

Brown cites Toshack's spell at Swansea as the time when the role was made - and it inspired clubs across Britain and the continent to follow suit.

"Before Toshack went to Swansea there were very few player-coaches around. It just wasn't in vogue," said Brown.

"But because he was such an enormous success, taking the club from the fourth to the first division, everyone sat up and took notice.

"I think every club in the country would have looked at Toshack managing and playing at Swansea and considered doing a similar thing.

"Swansea acted as role models. Player-managers started to spring up - the best example, of course, being Kenny Dalglish at Liverpool."

Brown admits that, up until yesterday, the Toshack era and its legacy to British soccer was just about the only thing he was able to recollect about Swansea.

He vaguely remembers going to the Vetch to watch an under-21 international - but insists it was so many years ago he can't remember the match or the date it took place!

However, he is fast getting up to speed with the present day Swansea side after his Preston team beat Reading 2-1 in Tuesday's third-round replay at the Madejski Stadium to earn a trip to South Wales.

And Brown, who took charge at Deepdale in April 2002 after eight years in the Scotland hot-seat, insists that come Saturday week he will know Brian Flynn's side inside out.

"I'm a great believer in the old cliche about not counting your chickens before they hatch, so I hadn't even considered Swansea before the Reading game," said Brown.

"Suddenly, though, I'm learning more and more about them - including, of course, the 1964 FA Cup semi-final when Preston beat Swansea 2-1.

"The older supporters of the two sides will no doubt enjoy memories of that game over the next week or so.

"But my job is to make sure we know everything there is to know about Swansea.

"Our chief scout provided me with detailed reports on each and every Reading player and I'd expect to be just as well-informed about the Swansea players by the time the game comes round."

Brown also expressed admiration for Swans boss Flynn, who he has met on numerous occasions but never locked managerial horns with.

"I've met Brian several times on FA and UEFA courses and I have a lot of respect for him," he said.

"He's got a great reputation among the managerial fraternity - particularly in Wales - and is known for being one of the most conscientious managers around."

However, Brown - whose promotion-chasing side face Wigan in a Division One clash at Deepdale on Saturday - did have a word of warning for his opposite number.

"Brian won't have learnt much from watching us at Reading the other night," he said. "We only had half a team out. We were missing key players who should be back for the Swansea game."

Swansea City skipper Roberto Martinez could make a first start in almost three months this weekend despite missing the chance to prove his fitness in the reserves. The Spanish midfielder's hopes of playing 90 minutes for the Vetch Field second string were dashed when Bristol City called off the two clubs' Pontins Combination meeting yesterday.

But with Andy Robinson suspended for Saturday's home clash with Cheltenham, boss Brian Flynn may pitch Martinez back into action despite his lack of match practice.

''Roberto is definitely in contention,'' said Swansea No. 2 Kevin Reeves.

''Having the reserves cancelled was disappointing because we wanted him to get 90 minutes under his belt.

''But he did come back at Rochdale earlier in the season when he had been out and not had many matches and it could be that we do the same thing again.

''He will have done a full week's training, and he has done everything that has been asked of him up until now.

''He is still testing himself a bit as he goes along, but he is obviously getting closer to his old self again.''

Martinez looked a little uncertain at times after coming on as a second-half substitute at Bury last weekend, and having seen the 30-year-old fail in two previous comeback attempts since damaging knee ligaments back in August Swansea are wary of another setback.

But they are desperate to restore Martinez to a side which is undoubtedly weaker in his absence.

''We will not play him on Saturday if we don't think he is up for it,'' added Reeves, ''but it would be great to have him back. The fact that he is club captain sums up his influence.''

Swansea, meanwhile, are looking to strengthen their defensive options before Cheltenham's visit.

''We are working on something,'' Reeves said. ''We'll just have to see if it comes off.''

The club have already admitted their interest in Bristol Rovers centre-back Christian Edwards and Watford's Sean Dyche.

A new arrival would be a welcome boost given that Michael Howard (hamstring), Leon Hylton (ankle) and Kieron Durkan (hamstring) are all doubtful for Cheltenham and Richard Duffy is banned along with Robinson.

Flynn hopes Brad Maylett will be fit after sitting out at Bury with a groin complaint, although the pacy winger has not trained so far this week.

Craig Brown has put Preston on FA Cup shock alert ahead of their fourth-round trip to Vetch Field, insisting: ''We're worried about Swansea City.'' Brown's side secured their place in the last 32 with an impressive 2-1 replay win over Reading at the Madejski Stadium last night.

Preston, currently fifth in the First Division following a run of just one defeat in 15 matches, will start as hot favourites when they travel to South Wales in 10 days' time.

But former Scotland boss Brown was keen to play down that tag, claiming instead that a repeat of the 1964 cup semi-final will provide a stern test of his Premiership wannabes.

''We're worried about Swansea,' 'he declared.

''Yes, they are a team from a lower league, but I watched another Third Division side, Yeovil Town, play Liverpool in the third round.

''It was very difficult for Liverpool for the first hour, and it will be extremely difficult for us at Swansea. There's no doubt about that.

''They will see it as a chance to take a scalp and progress, and I'm not going to say that we're the strong favourites to get through.''

And what of Brian Flynn's star man, Lee Trundle?

''I haven't had Swansea assessed as yet because that would have been presumptuous given that we had to get past Reading,'' he added.

''But I have heard all about Lee Trundle. I haven't actually seen him play myself, but I'm hearing that he is the man.

''I believe he is a very fine striker, and he will be desperate to get one into the net against us.''

The tie will be extra special for Trundle, who had an unsuccessful trial at Preston in his days as a non-league player, and also for Swansea's own Preston boy Lenny Johnrose.

A bumper Vetch crowd is expected - although the game seems unlikely to be made all-ticket at this stage - and Preston are sure to encounter a more intimidating atmosphere then they faced in front of just over 9,000 at a muted Madejski.

''Welsh fans are like Scottish fans - they have a bit of fervour about the sport,'' Brown said.

''But a hostile crowd will not bother my players, it will just motivate them.''

On last night's evidence, Flynn's men will need to produce something special if they are to lead the club to the fifth round of the competition for only the second time in 39 years.

Despite a late Reading rally, Preston were worthy winners over Steve Coppell's men.

The Lancashire club were ahead inside half an hour when Richard Cresswell found Marcus Hahnemann's top corner, and they doubled their advantage just after the break when the Reading keeper's clanger let in South African international striker George Koumantarakis.

Shaun Goater's strike was the cue for some Reading pressure in the closing six minutes, but Preston held on for a deserved win.

Cresswell, a £500,000 signing from Leicester, is part of a potent forward line that also features Northern Ireland international David Healy, a £1.5million capture from Manchester United.

With Koumantarakis they proved too much for Reading, and Swansea's defence is set to face an even stiffer examination given that 17-goal top scorer Ricardo Fuller should recover from a knee injury in time for the trip to the Vetch.

Ominously, the Jamaican star, reputedly a £5million target for a host of top-flight clubs, is one of five first-team regulars who could be available a week on Saturday having missed out last night.

Club skipper Chris Lucketti, Marlon Broomes and Claude Davis - all central defenders - plus American international midfielder Eddie Lewis are all expected back, with only the suspended Michael Jackson certain to miss out.

''They were without key players like Lucketti and Fuller against us, but Preston have a deep squad and are a very capable outfit,'' warned Royals boss Coppell.

Swansea have offered Richard Duffy a new three-year contract in a bid to ward off interest from Portsmouth.
But chairman Huw Jenkins admitted the club cannot compete with the "silly terms" offered by the Premiership side.

"It shows how much we think of Richard," said Jenkins. "He's a local lad and we want him to further his career at Swansea.

"We have to be realistic. We can't offer him whatever he wants and we can't match the offer of a Premier League club," he told The Western Mail.

"We hope he thinks his career will be better served with us for a few years."

The whole transfer package for Duffy is likely to cost Portsmouth £400,000, but Jenkins told BBC Sport that Swansea would only receive around £150,000 of that sum as a transfer fee.

"That is nowhere near the valuation we have for him," Jenkins added.

Duffy's contract with Swansea expires at the end of the season and would be a free agent. The Swans would then only be able entitled to compensation to cover the cost of his previous development.

Swansea coach Kevin Reeves expects Richard Duffy to make a decision on his future this week - but is hopeful he will stay at Vetch Field.

The Swans have rejected one offer from Portsmouth for the talented 18-year-old, but Reeves confirmed Duffy is still in talks with the Premiership side, who will probably return with an improved offer.

In response, Swansea have offered Duffy an improved contract in the hope he will stay at the club.

Reeves said: "It now depends on Portsmouth and Richard himself to make his mind up. But it should be done this week.

"We think Richard should stay. He has just got into the team, and whether he will get into the Portsmouth first team at this stage I don't know. We think it would be better for him to stay and get some games under his belt."

PRESTON booked a trip to the Vetch Field in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win away to Reading last night.

Preston proved they are more than a one-man team with a well-deserved victory in the third-round replay at the Madejski Stadium.

Despite missing 17-goal Ricardo Fuller, North End booked a trip to Swansea - who beat Macclesfield 2-1 in their third-round clash at the Vetch 11 days ago - courtesy of timely strikes in either half from Richard Cresswell, his first in 19 games, and George Koumantarakis, who had not scored since March.

Koumantarakis' performance up front not only ended a personal injury nightmare but underlined why manager Craig Brown went to such lengths to prevent him from joining up with the South Africa squad for the forthcoming African Nations Cup.

Though Cresswell was denied by the woodwork in the second half and Shaun Goater netted late on for Reading, Preston's impressive display ensured the result went according to the form book.

A last-minute equaliser from Bolton substitute Ricky Shakes took the Premiership side and Tranmere into extra-time at the Reebok Stadium, where Eugene Dadi (82) had put the Division Two side in front.

And a goal from Iain Hume in the first minute of overtime booked Rovers a trip to Luton in the fourth round.

Two-goal Kenny Miller secured Wolves' progression and a fourth-round clash with West Ham after Kidderminster were put to the sword 2-0 at Molineux.

Wolves had earned the right to their third round rematch after Alex Rae scored a last-gasp equaliser to cancel out John Williams' goal when the sides first met at Aggborough 10 days earlier.

But Division Three Harriers were undone as Miller produced goals either side of the interval to end Harriers' interest in the competition.

Northampton booked a money-spinning tie with Manchester United after coming from behind for a deserved 2-1 win at Rotherham.

As was the case in the original tie at Sixfields, Colin Calderwood's Nationwide Division Three side trailed to the Yorkshire club but undeterred they made a mockery of their lowly status to dominate the replay at Millmoor.

Striker Richard Walker, on loan from Blackpool, headed a Martin Smith free-kick past former Old Trafford trainee Mike Pollitt nine minutes before the interval as they exerted their authority on the contest.

And by the time Smith's curling 54th-minute free-kick evaded everyone and crept in off the post, Town were well on the way to a repeat of their famous 1970 Cup meeting with United.

Adam Nowland's fifth goal of the season was enough for Wimbledon to book a place in the fourth round at the expense of Stoke.

Stuart Murdoch's Nationwide Division One strugglers survived a second-half onslaught to end City's seven-game unbeaten run and secure a trip to Premiership Birmingham later this month.

Scunthorpe will also face Premiership opposition later this month after their 2-0 win at home to Barnsley.

A trip to Portsmouth awaits the Iron, for whom Steve Torpey (18) and Jamie McCombe (74) were the glory boys.

Joe Keith provided both Colchester's goals at Layer Road, where the Division Two side came through 2-1 at home to erstwhile Conference survivors Accrington.

Keith put his team one up in the 11th minute and appeared to have finished the job in the 84th - immediately before the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Steve Halford was sent off for a second bookable offence.

But Stanley refused to give up and trailed by only one goal when Paul Mullin struck a minute from time. However Colchester hung on to claim the reward of a trip to Coventry.

Preston's injury-ravaged team deservedly won through to a fourth round FA Cup tie at Swansea.

Without 10 members of their first team squad they took a 2-0 lead before Shaun Goater gave Reading some hope with a late goal.

The Royals launched an all-out attack in the closing minutes but have now extended their dismal record to seven games without a win. Preston have gone nine without defeat.

Richard Cresswell shot Preston in front after 28 minutes with his first goal in 19 games.

A minute into the second half a defensive mix-up between Reading goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann and skipper Adi Williams gifted Preston their second.

It was scored by South Africa international George Koumantarakis, who was making his first start for 10 months after being injured playing for South Africa against Madagascar.

However, despite his return the player has been told by manager Craig Brown that he must prove his fitness with Preston if he wants to be considered for the African Nations Cup squad.

"I have written to Sepp Blatter (FIFA president) and Mark Palios (Football Association chief executive) saying I think it is ridiculous that a player who hasn't played for 10 months can be called up for an international team," said Brown.

"I said in my letter that I realised they had more important things to worry about at the moment and I don't want to criticise them for not replying yet because they haven't had much time to do so.

"One of the things that worries me is that South Africa do not insure the players so we have to pay their wages. Other international teams like England are insured for that.

"We got an hour out of George tonight, which was okay and he came on for 25 minutes at West Ham but I still don't think he's ready for international football.

"On the other hand it wouldn't surprise me at all if he was picked for the South African team and I know the rules. If he is, he has to be there 10 days before the game."

Brown was also pleased with the fact that his depleted squad won through. "In a way it worked for us because the players we brought in were fresh legs. We had three central defenders out there who haven't played in that position yet this season.

"I was pleased with the fact that we tried to play football on a muddy pitch. Credit to Richard Cresswell who has kept going throughout the lean spell. I have never had any doubts about picking him because he is a workhorse and a very talented player with a fabulous attitude."

Disappointed Reading boss Steve Coppell said: "Our season is defined now. We have 19 games left in which to seek promotion.

"We are on a knife-edge at home. Players sense what the crowd sense. When we go a goal down it doesn't inspire us to do better. We just get down on ourselves."

Swansea City have taken former Dundee player Frank van Eijs on trial. The well-travelled Dutchman, 33, is most comfortable at right-back but can also operate in the centre of defence.

He spent two seasons playing for Dundee in the Scottish Premier League, making a total of 18 appearances before being released in 2001.

Since then van Eijs has had spells in South Africa and China having previously played in Belgium, Germany and his homeland.

Having arrived at Vetch Field yesterday, he was due to turn out for Swansea's reserves at Bristol City this afternoon (2pm).

Also set to be involved for the second string were fellow trialists Earl Davis and Matthew Delicate as well as club skipper Roberto Martinez.

The Spanish midfielder showed no ill effects following his substitute appearance at Bury on Saturday after two and a half months on the sidelines with knee trouble and was hoping to move closer to a first-team start this afternoon.

But there was bad news yesterday for a fourth Swansea trialist, Layton Maxwell.

The former Cardiff midfielder sprained ligaments in his ankle less than half an hour into his first training session at the club.

"We'll have a good look at all the trialists today - apart from Layton of course," sighed boss Brian Flynn.

"We'd barely started when he trod on the ball and had to stop."

Maxwell will remain at the Vetch for treatment for the rest of this week and hopes to return to full training next Monday.

Also on the injured list is winger Kieron Durkan, who is struggling to make Saturday's home clash with Cheltenham after straining his hamstring at Bury.

Brad Maylett (groin) looks good for a return in Durkan's place having sat out at Gigg Lane, but Flynn still has a problem at left-back.

Leon Hylton (ankle) and Michael Howard (hamstring) both look doubtful, meaning Stuart Jones may have to continue as emergency cover.

Meanwhile, Swansea have confirmed they will travel to face Caersws in the FAW Premier Cup quarter-final on January 28 (7pm).

The club say they are very happy with continuing sales of season tickets, which they stress are available at reduced prices to students who can prove they are in full-time education.

"We're putting the continued interest down to the fact that fans believe that the season will finish with promotion and that vouchers in the books guarantee tickets for any all-ticket FA Cup ties or league games away from home," said Vetch director David Morgan.

Huw Jenkins has apologised to Swansea City's fans in the wake of Saturday's dismal defeat at Bury. And the Vetch Field chairman has promised to lift spirits among the club's supporters with addition of one or two new faces in the next few weeks.

Director of football Brian Flynn has been given the go-ahead to bring in a centre-back and also seems likely to search for a new right-back if Richard Duffy clinches a move to Portsmouth.

"I think the 340 supporters who travelled up to Bury over the weekend deserve an apology for what they witnessed," said Jenkins.

"Nobody wants to pay their hard-earned money to go and watch that - it was totally demoralising and the sort of game which could leave fans wondering whether they want to go away and watch us again.

"The players, management and the board were very disappointed about how things turned out, but what I will say is that throughout the season we haven't had many performances like that and don't expect any more.

"It was unacceptable, and Brian Flynn and the players know that the only way things will be resolved before the Cheltenham game is through working hard together."

A couple of new signings, Jenkins conceded, would also boost the Vetch squad as they head into the last 20 games of the season.

The impetus a fresh face can provide would be most welcome following the 2-0 Gigg Lane reverse, when Swansea were as ineffective as they have been at any stage in the last year.

Jenkins went on: "We've said all along that we would assist Brian come January or February as needed.

"We've lost Jason Smith, Andrew Mumford and Lee Jenkins and it remains a possibility that Richard Duffy will also be leaving us.

"Whether it's three or four players, it's quite natural that we need to replace one or two of them.

"And now it's just a case of waiting until the right players become available.

"I expect there to be at least one new arrival in the next few weeks, though it may be that we have to wait a while longer.

"We've learned from experience that if we can hold our nerve for another month or two, clubs will be looking to offload better players when they realise they have nothing to play for this season.

"Some clubs know they might struggle to pay those players come the summer and so will be keen to lose them.

"We need to add to our squad to give us more strength in depth, to give Brian a few more options and to make sure we have cover should we get injuries as the season reaches its climax."

Brian Flynn heads to the Madejski Stadium tonight to watch Reading and Preston do battle for the right to visit the Vetch in round four of the FA Cup in 11 days' time. "I'm going for a closer look at what we'll be up against, though I know already that either of them will be a big very challenge for us," Flynn said.

SWANSEA CITY have offered Portsmouth target Richard Duffy a three-year contract in a last-ditch attempt to keep the young defender at the Vetch Field.

The Premiership outfit have reputedly dangled a three-year contract in front of the highly-rated teenager and are set to offer the Third Division club around £400,000 for the player.

Duffy is out of contract at the end of the season and Swans director of football Brian Flynn is naturally keen to hold on to one of his prize assets.

They have offered the 18-year-old a significant increase in wages and the choice of a two-year or three-year contract.

Duffy, who now has to serve a five-match ban after being sent off for the second time this season during Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Bury, is currently mulling over both packages and is expected to make a decision this week.

Swans chairman Huw Jenkins told The Western Mail last night, "It's in everybody's interests to get this sorted out soon.

"Of course we want Richard to stay with us. The terms we have offered him are a lot better than what he is on now.

"Considering his age, we think it's a good offer. Not just that, we have shown commitment from our end by offering him a three-year contract.

"It shows how much we think of Richard. He's a local lad and we want him to further his career at Swansea.

"And to show how flexible we are we have offered him a two-year contract if he prefers that to a three-year one."

Added Jenkins, "We have to be realistic. We can't offer Richard whatever he wants and we can't match the offer of a Premier League club like Portsmouth.

"However, we firmly believe there are great times ahead for Swansea. We've got a new stadium on the way and our crowds are increasing all the time.

"Don't forget, Richard is only 18. He is still learning the game and he won't find a better teacher than Brian Flynn.

"We hope he thinks his career will be better served staying with us for a few years rather than go to a Premiership club where he might disappear. That does happen to young players."

But the Swans chief added, "The biggest thing of all is that Richard proves to myself and Brian that he wants to play here."

Duffy last week had talks with Pompey boss Harry Redknapp about a move to Fratton Park.

Portsmouth have already seen one bid - £150,000 plus £25,000 for every 10 first-team game he plays - turned down, but the south coast club are ready with an improved offer.

Wayne Elsey, the player's agent, hopes the matter is settled in the next couple of days.

"The decision is up to Richard. He's had both offers put to him and hopefully a decision will be made in the next 48 hours," he said.

"Swansea have made him an improved offer, although Portsmouth have offered him a very good package.

"Richard has to decide whether this is the right time to move on."

Portsmouth are not the only Premier League club who have been looking at Duffy - Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Fulham and Manchester City have all been eyeing the defender.

Maxwell is hoping to impress Swansea boss Brian Flynn Layton Maxwell's hopes of finding a new club took a blow during his first day of his trial period with Swansea.
Maxwell, who was released by Cardiff in November, injured his ankle in training on Monday and now faces an anxious wait to discover the extent of the damage.

The former Liverpool and Cardiff midfielder recently spent time with Blackpool but failed to win a contract.

"We are assessing the situation," Swansea director of football Brian Flynn told BBC Wales Sport.

Flynn added that the future of right-back Richard Duffy should become clearer this week.

Duffy, who was sent off for the second time this season in Swansea's 2-0 defeat at Bury on Saturday, has travelled to Portsmouth to discuss a possible move to the Premiership side.

"I'm planning talks with him to see how he felt about going down to Portsmouth," Flynn said.

"It'll be a couple of days before everything is sorted out. They've made an offer for Richard, but that valuation is well below what we feel is right.

"It's important to have ambition to play at the highest level but I've told Richard the most important thing for his is his football development.

"He'll get that to the best possible standard at the Vetch."


Alan Curtis has a 30-year association with Swansea City
Meanwhile, the Swansea City board have granted the club's head of youth development Alan Curtis a testimonial at The Vetch.

As well as his present post, former Wales international Curtis spent three spells as a player with the Swans after turning professional in 1972.

He was also assistant manager to John Hollins when the team won the Third Division championship in 1999-2000.

No date has been set for the testimonial yet, but one of his former clubs Leeds United have provisionally agreed to provide the opposition.

Leeds were Swansea's first opponents at The Vetch in the old First Division in 1981-82.

"I'm delighted that the club has seen fit to grant me this testimonial and it gives me the chance to thank the club."

Swansea City FC has pulled the plug on its discount scheme for students because of alleged widespread abuse. The plan allowed students to go on the North Bank at child prices on production of their union card.

But the club discovered that people attending night classes and part-time courses were also entitled to belong to the Students Union.

They carried out a survey at the last home match with Oxford United and reckon up to 500 of the near-9,000 crowd were "students''.

Now the scheme, along with the Passport to Leisure discount which club says was also being abused, has been scrapped.

A club spokesman said: "It was never intended for people going to needlework classes once a week.

"We are sorry for the genuine fans and students who will miss out but there were literally hundreds at the Oxford match.

"On that basis it was costing us £2,500 every home game - and we just cannot afford it. The misuse of cards was so widespread that we had no option.

''We will look at introducing a failsafe scheme in future.

"There were problems with out-of-date cards, forgeries and part-time students,'' he added.

''The scheme was set up to benefit genuine cases but unfortunately it has been spoiled for them."

A spokeswoman for Swansea University Students Union said: "We are sorry to hear of this decision. Everybody on a course is entitled to union membership.

"Many of those on part-time courses are parents with limited means. They are not in strong positions themselves and should not be penalised.

"The whole point is that they live on a much lower income. We appreciate that discounts cost money but it is unfair for them to differentiate."

Portsmouth-target Richard Duffy faces up to a five-match ban this week insisting he will play for Swansea City again. But the 18-year-old full-back, sent off for the second time in his brief career at Bury on Saturday, has dropped the strongest hint yet that he will quit his hometown club for the Premiership in the near future.

Duffy, from Brynhyfryd, was at Fratton Park for talks last Thursday and is thought to have been offered a Pompey contract at least three times the length of the one-year extension currently on the table at Vetch Field.

He said: ''Hopefully Bury won't be my last game for Swansea, but we'll just have to wait and see what happens in the next couple of weeks.

''Portsmouth are a Premiership club and it's an ambition of mine to play in the Premiership - you're bound to be tempted.

''They have made me a good offer. It's up to me know to speak to my family and decide what I want to do.''

He went on: ''Portsmouth have already had one bid rejected. I don't know if they are going to put another in for me during the January window or if something will happen at the end of the season.

''But either way the ball is in my court. I know that if no offer comes now, I will be a free agent in the summer anyway if I decide not to sign a deal at Swansea.

''So it's just a case of deciding whether I want to move up the leagues now or I want to carry on playing regularly for a year and then see where I am.''

Whatever he chooses to do, Duffy will not play for anyone before the middle of February after his second red card of the season capped a disastrous afternoon at Bury.

The Welsh youth international was already due for a one-match suspension next weekend having collected a fifth yellow card of the season in the FA Cup clash with Macclesfield nine days ago.

And he will now a serve a four-match ban straight after that thanks to a two-footed tackle on Bury's Tom Kennedy.

Duffy insisted later that he had been looking to win a loose ball, but boss Brian Flynn was in no mood to defend the fiery youngster.

''It's a two-footed tackle and the referee had no option,'' said Swansea's director of football.

''It's nice when players have an aggressive edge but with Richard it can sometimes spill over. The fact that he has been sent off twice in a season proves that.

''I don't think it's anything to do with all the speculation surrounding him. He's fairly level headed and he can handle all that. But I did think he had learned from his first red card at Hull.''

An angry Flynn was also left to digest a toothless Swansea display which he called their worst in 12 months.

The one drop of good news was the return from injury of club skipper Roberto Martinez, although Swansea have other fitness concerns ahead of next Saturday's clash with Cheltenham.

Brad Maylett (groin), Leon Hylton (ankle) and Michael Howard (hamstring) all missed the trip to Gigg Lane.

Forget the Second Division, the only sort of promotion on anyone's lips in Bury on Saturday was 10 minutes from the football ground at the January sales. The 250 or so Swansea City fans who had made the long trek to Gigg Lane must have wished they had opted for an afternoon's shopping after sitting through the most miserable 90 minutes since the altogether bleaker times of last winter.

For certain, many more disasters like this and Brian Flynn's men can kiss goodbye to the play-offs, never mind one of the three automatic promotion places at the top of Division Three.

''I think the best thing about the game is that it's over and we can now get back to Swansea and try to put things right,'' reflected skipper Kevin Nugent.

''I don't know how to describe the way we played. We never got started in the game and we were a shambles.

''It almost felt like they wanted it more than us. They won the second balls and overpowered us in all the major parts of the game. It was as if we were still on the coach.''

He went on: ''It's frustrating because we've had a couple of decent results lately and we came here looking for the three points. Yet we finished struggling even to get close to a draw.

''It was definitely our worst performance of the season and, quite rightly, the gaffer has had a dig at us in the dressing room.''

By all accounts Flynn, normally one for the calm and collected approach, read the riot act to his players after they flunked the sort of test which must be passed if promotion is to be achieved.

Bury, remember, had lost eight consecutive matches prior to the weekend and had to cope with a change of manager in the midst of the bad run.

Even the locals were predicting the worst as Lee Trundle and Co rolled into town.

As Flynn's failures trudged back onto the team bus at 5pm, the home crowd were left wondering how Swansea were above them in the Third Division table.

For the Shakers not only beat their visitors, they played them off a boggy pitch and should have won by more than two goals.

The result had nothing to do with Richard Duffy's 75th-minute sending off - by then Swansea knew their unbeaten stretch of four matches was to come to an end.

Only one goalkeeper in the division has been beaten more often than Bury's Glyn Garner this season, and yet this weekend the Pontypool-born stopper enjoyed an unexpected a winter break.

Once in each half he was called into serious action, and on both occasions he was equal to Andy Robinson's long-range efforts.

It never got any more difficult than that on a day when Trundle, wait for it, was substituted.

Here was a moment to tell the story of an afternoon.

With his attack firing blanks, Flynn looked to his defence to grind out a point at the very least, just as they had done against Oxford in the previous game.

No chance.

Long before Duffy walked the back four had been in trouble, with a Bury side which had struggled desperately since November, able to cut through at will.

''The fact that we were still 0-0 at half-time was as good as winning the lottery for us,'' Flynn said.

Danny Swailes had come closest before the break, lashing against the post from 12 yards after good work on the right flank from Terry Dunfield.

But as Swansea continued to amble through the contest, the breakthrough Bury had undoubtedly deserved finally came.

Glenn Whelan's corner was flicked on by Dave Challinor, and centre-back Swailes arrived to plant home a header at the back post as Flynn's defence stood still.

With Duffy's dismissal went any faint hopes of an equaliser, and there was more for the home side to celebrate four minutes from the end when Jon Daly finished smartly having broken Swansea's offside trap for the umpteenth time.

''It's the biggest off day we've had in 12 months without a shadow of a doubt,'' Flynn went on.

''From start to finish we were never in the game and Bury deserved to win it. They were better than us.

''In midweek we were as good as the best team in the league, here we looked like the worst team in the league and one or two choice words were said after the game.

''We've had indifferent times in games over the last year and been beaten, but that was the worst we've been since the early days when I first came to the club.''

With no away trip to come until the end of January, Swansea's run without a win on the road is now certain to go through the three-month barrier.

Victory at Rochdale in late October was enough to keep Flynn's men on the coat-tails of the top three, their latest setback means they are struggling to cling to the top seven.

''We went into the game full of confidence having drawn with the league leaders to make it four games unbeaten,'' the Vetch Field director of football added.

''The difference in performance levels can be puzzling at times - and frustrating. No disrespect to Bury, but if we have got real promotion credentials we have got to be winning games like this.''

And to think this was meant to be the day that Swansea celebrated the return of their club captain.

Roberto Martinez did appear from the bench, with the instruction to turn the tide of the game when it was still goalless.

Things just did not go to plan in a horror show that will not easily be forgotten.

Flynn's fear is that the loss of three points to a team there for the taking will still be haunting him come May.

Just when they don't want to be reminded of late goals, Cheltenham come to Vetch Field next week to face Lee Trundle. Trundle broke hearts at Whaddon Road on the second Saturday of the season when he completed a remarkable 27-minute hat-trick in injury time to settle a seven-goal thriller.

On that day Cheltenham, then under the managership of Bobby Gould, more than deserved a share of the spoils against Brian Flynn's men after going 2-0 up and then 3-1 ahead before Trundle's late strike.

It was heartbreak again for the Robins last week when they once more did enough to earn a draw, this time against Premiership Fulham in the FA Cup third round.

Louis Saha was the one who ended their dreams of a lucrative replay with a last-minute winner to add to his earlier goal after Grant McCann had given John Ward's side the lead at Loftus Road.

And Ward, speaking before his team took on fellow strugglers Southend at home last night, was full of praise for his players.

''I thought the discipline of the team and the way we tried to go about it was absolutely first class,'' he said.

''Their attitude and desire to work hard for themselves, the team and the football club was pretty evident.

''But we have been trying to do that over the short period of time I've been together with them and in the last three games we have been able to manage a very good level of performance.

''I have to work hard mentally with my team now to try and make sure there is something beginning to happen at Cheltenham Town.

''Hopefully this is just the start of it and if we can continue to show the type of attitude we showed against Fulham then this football club and team will improve, which is my initial job.''

Of the FA Cup tie itself, Ward said it was just Fulham's experience that saw them through in the end.

''I feel very much for my players and the large number of people who supported us.

''I think they will be pleased with what they have seen but in the cold light of day we snatched a bit at the last 10 minutes.

''Perhaps we could see the replay coming and the corner came from that, a snatched clearance. There is disappointment but a lot of very good things I hope for us to look forward to as well.

''I was really pleased with the number of efforts at goal we had and the number of times we got into the last 30 yards of Fulham's defensive area. ''There were some senior performances out there and there is no question they will keep going.

''It was very disappointing but that's the game. It would have been great to have a replay but people like Saha come up with the goods when you need them.

''You don't put these guys away easily because they are exceptional players and keep going even when they are up against it.''

Flynn must be hoping that Ward will be saying the same sort of things come 5pm next Saturday as Swansea look to keep their promotion bid on track.

THE man who discovered Swansea City hot property Richard Duffy reckons he won't make it as a top defender - because he'll be too busy being one hell of a midfield general.

Former youth team coach Malcolm Elias, who first alerted the Swans to Duffy's outstanding potential, believes the 18-year-old is just too good to be restricted to a defensive role.

Elias, who nowadays fronts up Southampton's youth academy, took one look at Duffy three years ago and was straight on the phone to the Vetch.

And he's far from surprised that the lanky youngster has emerged as an outstanding prospect.

Duffy blotted his copybook yesterday, being sent off for serious foul play at Bury.

Even so, he's all set to complete a switch to Portsmouth and Swans fans will be gutted that he was with them for such a short space of time, particularly as they've seen nothing of him in the position which Elias believes is made for him.

"He's very good on the ball and he wants to be on the ball all the time and you can't always do that at right back," said Elias.

"But he's so versatile and very adaptable. He is capable of playing anywhere.

"That's the mark of just how good he is. He could make a great midfield player.

"He's already come on leaps and bounds albeit in a position I'd never thought I'd see him in. It obviously suits him playing right back because that's the position he's impressed in so far. But I'm not convinced he'll end up there."

Where he'll end up is now likely to be very much in the hands of Pompey boss Harry Redknapp, for the next few years at least.

Barring a dramatic U-turn, Duffy will set off for the south coast this week.

Hard as it is for Swans fans to accept right now, it's one heck of an opportunity for the Brynhyfryd product.

Joining a Premiership club - the chance to rub shoulders and learn from the likes of Teddy Sheringham - it sounds fantastic.

But Elias sounds a note of caution. The move might be too much, too soon.

"He's always been a talented lad with huge potential," added Elias, who can also claim credit for unearthing England internationals Martin Keown and Mark Wright during an earlier scouting role with Oxford United.

"He's got some fantastic ability on the ball and is excellent with his decision making.

"But it's very hard for young players like Richard to be in this kind of position. When people like Brian Flynn are saying it might be better to stay and learn his trade, you can understand what he means.

"I'm sure in his heart of hearts he'd love to stay and to go through the leagues with the Swans.

"But I know he wants to be the best player he can be and maybe because of that he thinks that now is the right time.

"And nobody will be more pleased than me to see him become a Premiership player.

"But it's different for every player. Only time will tell if it's the right move.

"Every player is in a different situation. For some to move to a big club is the right decision; for others it is best to stay.

"He's being well looked after at Swansea, is extremely well thought of and definitely going to be assured of a place if he stayed.

"But when you go to a bigger club there's no guarantee you'll get anywhere near the first team. Also, it's a fact that different clubs deal with youngsters better than others.

"And on top of that there's other important considerations, like living away from home for the first time."

You can well appreciate Elias's concerns for his former protege; many players tipped for the top have fallen by the wayside, having been given the big build-up, and a high-profile move early in their careers.

Elias believes it's just too early to start piling expectations on to Duffy's slim shoulders.

Expectation such as being billed as the new Mark Delaney.

The comparison, certainly in physical terms, is an easy one to make. But Elias believes labels like being the next Delaney do more harm than good.

"I can understand people making these sort of comparisons," he said. "But it's very early days and being realistic he's only played a dozen or so first-team games.

"Things are going extremely well for him at present, but like all young players, there will come a time when it's not going so well and we'll have to see how he copes with that.

"When you're a young player there are few great expectations placed on you, unless you're Wayne Rooney, maybe!

"But once you become a bit more established then it happens.

"I'm confident he'll cope with all that comes with being a top young player, but it's something you have to take into consideration."

But, regardless of whether Duffy puts his name to a contract with Pompey or the Swans, one thing is for sure - the immense pride Elias feels when he sees lads he helped break through.

"With every young player you have under you, you want them to fulfil their potential," said Elias. "But unfortunately more often than not it's up to people like me to tell them they aren't going to make the grade.

"So to see lads like Richard and other boys at Swansea, like Stuart Jones and Mark Pritchard, come through is just simply fantastic."

There's more to being a Swans supporter than just turning up - its a lifelong occupation! Our diarist Glen surveys what's on the net to keep you in the know when you're far away...



"Like Fish Need Water"
Being a football supporter doesn't just involve turning up on match day, watching the game, and going home. It's a lifelong, full time occupation. You need news on your team like a fish needs water - it's not rational, you can't affect the score at the end of 90 minutes by knowing that such and such a player is returning from injury; but not knowing such news is unthinkable.

Football fans check scores and news on teletext in a reflex action - long suffering loved ones know better than to interrupt a footy fan checking for their team's score.

The Football Ritual
Talking to fellow fans during the working day invokes rituals include exchanging gossip on injuries, transfers and team line-ups in a manner that would suggest that soap operas aren't the biggest source of daily gossip in this country...

Daily papers are scanned for any mention of your team; radio or TV news reports are turned on halfway through just so that you can catch the sports, excluding any other stuff that may be going on elsewhere.

Swans Abroad
It's only when you don't have the usual media outlets to hand, that you realise how much you miss them. Scrabbling around for days old British newspapers; hoping for scores and reports on foreign sports channels; asking any fellow Brit that you meet if they know any scores - football is a drug and being abroad on holiday during the season is definitely a dose of cold turkey.

After spending the last few weeks in a land that thinks that football involves a pointy ball and wearing enough padding to make a Teletubby jealous (You're not wrong if you guessed the US of A here - Ed), I realised how much exiled Swans fans abroad rely on other less traditional sources of information.

God Bless the Internet
Thus, this week's Vetch Verdict is giving praise to the patron saint of the Internet in order that he watch over and keep safe our Swansea City websites. Much respect goes to the unofficial Swansea City site - www.scfc.co.uk - that has kept Swans junkies near and far informed of daily goings on at the Vetch (and there's been a lot of those over the years).

Honourable mentions in despatches also go to the irreverent www.Jackarmy.net, which can often break Swans new stories before official media outlets. The official website - www.swanseacity.premiumtv.co.uk - too, is finally shaping up to be a useful source of team and ticket news.

Jacks and Advocates
These (and other) websites have often taken many positive leads in the past; helping promote the Swans Trust initiatives, sponsoring players, helping promote testimonials for players, and playing devils advocate to the official media line trotted out by the various club owners in the past.

Long may they continue; thousands of Jacks worldwide wouldn't be without them.

Oh, and the on the field results while I was away? Three wins in a row, couldn't ask for better!

Glen Donnachie



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John from Leeds is a fan of the Jack Army site:
"Having just read Glen Donnachie's verdict on unofficial web sites I have to agree with him. Although I am only exciled in Leeds I find myself logging onto www.jackarmy.net at least two to three times a day. Getting not just the news that it tells me, but the opinions on those that are closer is so valuable to me. A big hand goes to anyone who has the time to put a website together."
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Richard from Abu Dhabi is in agreement with Glen:
"I can't praise enough the facilitators who work so hard to compile the website www.scfc.co.uk. I get my daily Swans news fix from that site and long may it continue. I am the self appointed marketing director of Swansea City AFC Abu Dhabi Branch (total membership two)."

RICHARD DUFFY left Bury on Saturday knowing "the worst game of my career" could also turn out to be his last as a Swansea City player, writes Ian Hunt.

Duffy, red-carded for an ugly two-footed challenge during the 2-0 defeat at Gigg Lane, revealed Portsmouth have made him a good offer to swap Division Three and the Vetch Field for Fratton Park and the Premiership.

The 18-year-old defender held talks with Pompey boss Harry Redknapp last week and is considering whether or not to accept what is believed to be a three-year contract with the Premiership club.

"Portsmouth have offered me a good couple of years and the ball is in my court," said Duffy.

"What happens next is basically up to me.

"Everything seems OK at Portsmouth. It looked good down there and they've told me that if I'm playing well enough I'll be in the first team.

"The question is do I move up now or do I accept the offer of a new contract at Swansea and keep on playing regularly here?

"I don't want to leave the club, but it's my ambition to play in the Premiership and so Portsmouth is obviously tempting."

Swansea have already turned down a bid of £150,000-plus for the youngster, who is also attracting attention from rivals Cardiff City.

The South Coast club have until the end of January to make a fresh bid - or wait until the summer when the youngster's current Swans contract expires.

And that would mean that, unless Duffy decides to sign the contract extension on offer at the Vetch, Swansea would face the rigmarole of a tribunal to determine what compensation they would receive for him.

Even if Duffy does not move to Portsmouth this week, he will not be in the Swansea side that faces Cheltenham at the Vetch on Saturday.

Duffy was due to miss the match against the Robins anyway after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the 2-1 FA Cup win against Macclesfield.

But he will also miss the following four matches after receiving his second red card of the season at the weekend.

Duffy, though, felt his dismissal against the Shakers, for a 76th-minute lunge on Tom Kennedy, was harsh.

"You could say I went in with two feet, but I saw it as a 50-50 situation and I thought I got the ball," he said.

"But the referee did not see it that way and, taking into account the result and our performance as well, it'll go down as the worst game of my career.

"I wouldn't like to think that was my last game for Swansea. I wouldn't want it to end in that way."

BRIAN FLYNN got it about right when he described this sorry shambles as Swansea City's worst performance in 12 months.

And he was spot on once more when he admitted the Swans may as well forget about promotion this season if they produce another such pitiful display between now and the end of the campaign.

"This was the kind of game we needed to win if we are to have a realistic chance of going up," said Swansea's director of football.

"Instead it was the biggest off-day we have had in the last 12 months. We were poor from start to finish and deserved to lose.

"It puzzles me how it can happen because I know the players are so much better.

"But if we are serious about winning promotion, we can't afford to play like that again this season. It has to be a one-off."

Little wonder Flynn was more candid than usual in his post-match debrief because this was an atrocious performance from a Swansea side now 13 points adrift of top spot and 12 off the third automatic promotion place in eighth.

Ripped to shreds at the back, toothless in midfield and devoid of ideas up front, the Swans are now going to have to play like world-beaters to stand any chance of registering a top-three finish.

Bury could scarcely believe their luck as the Swans generously allowed them to bring to a halt a dismal run of eight straight defeats with a thoroughly-deserved victory.

The only surprise was that it took the impressive Shakers 62 minutes to score, such was the manner in which they dominated this contest under the leaden Lancashire skies.

Giant defender Danny Swailes was the first to breach a Swansea defence that looked as if had met for the first time just before the match and Jon Daly added a second four minutes from time.

And, just for good measure, sandwiched in between the two goals was a second red card of the season for Portsmouth target Richard Duffy, for a gruesome two-footed lunge on Tom Kennedy that means he now misses the next five games.

No surprise, then, that Flynn admitted to giving his players another ear-bashing afterwards. "Let's just say one or two choice words were spoken," he ventured.

"What puzzles me most is how we can play like that four days after such a good performance against Oxford.

"We went into the game with a degree of confidence, unbeaten in four matches and then come up with something like that.

"Against Oxford we were as good as the best team in the league. Here, we looked like the worst team in the league."

Flynn had been forced to re-jig his side with Brad Maylett, Michael Howard and Leon Hylton all nursing injuries.

It meant a start at left-back for youngster Stuart Jones and a return on the right of midfield for Kieron Durkan.

But from the first whistle Swansea looked feeble at the back and sluggish in attack as Bury looked anything but a side searching for their first win in nine.

Playing with a tempo and a spirit that belied their lowly league placing, the Shakers had chances to go into the break at least 3-0 up.

But for a clutch of venomous free-kicks from Swansea star man Andy Robinson, the visitors had nothing to offer by way of efforts on goal.

There was a sense of inevitability about Bury's first goal, Swailes heading emphatically past Roger Freestone at the far post from a Glenn Whelan corner as Swansea failed to clear their ranks.

And after 86 minutes Flynn's men were caught out when they tried to play the offside trap.

Swailes provided the through ball and as the Swansea back line stood still anticipating the linesman's flag, Daly raced on to the ball and lobbed Freestone from 30 yards.

Even the second-half introduction of Roberto Martinez - making his first appearance in more than two months and up against the manager who first brought him to Britain, Bury boss Graham Barrow - could not inspire Swansea to produce something for the travelling supporters to cheer.

And you know it has been a bad afternoon when Lee Trundle, the one man whose goals the Swans have been able to rely upon this season, is substituted.

"Lee was not injured," insisted Flynn. "He'd just had a quiet game. I don't think he had one shot. There were a number of people we could have taken off. Everyone had a quiet game. And that's being kind."

So where do Swansea go from here? It is going to take a gargantuan effort to claim an automatic promotion spot, but the first task is to reclaim a place in the top seven - and hold on to it.

"Cheltenham at the Vetch on Saturday is now a big, big game," said Flynn.

"It's disappointing to have lost ground on the leaders. But we got back into the top seven with the draw against Oxford and we can do it again.

"We've got to lift the players after this defeat but that's all part of a manager's job.

"The players know how I feel about this result and the performance. They know it can't happen again."

Flynn left Gigg Lane with the sound of Walking on Sunshine ringing in his ears. Cruel, because this was a dark day indeed for his side.