Fer calls for struggling Swansea to keep building momentum

Leroy Fer says Swansea are determined to maintain their momentum in the FA Cup.

Swansea head to Notts County in the fourth round on the back of Monday’s massive victory against Liverpool.

Although still bottom of the Premier League, Swansea have lost only once in six games since Carlos Carvalhal took charge – and Fer admits the smiles are back at the Liberty Stadium.

“The result on Monday helps us a lot and gives us a real boost,” Fer said ahead of Saturday’s trip to Meadow Lane.

“We have some momentum and smiles are on faces, but we are not where we need to be yet.

“There are no excuses, when we play in the cup we have to have the same intensity as we are showing in the previous games under the new manager over the last weeks.

“We have had some good wins and the belief is there, we want to keep winning and get through to the next round.”

“New managers can give a boost as well and that is what has happened with his gaffer. He is very passionate and what we needed.”

Notts County are second in Sky Bet League Two with Kevin Nolan having turned the Magpies from relegation strugglers to promotion contenders during his 12 months in charge.

And Fer recalls Nolan well from his time as a Premier League player.

“I played against him when he was at West Ham and I can tell you he is a tough guy and a real hard competitor,” Fer said.

“He always had something to say and he was a real leader.

“He will have them pumped up for it, and if his team are anything like he was as a player then we will be given a hard game.

“We will need to be up for it and stay focused if we want to get through to the next round.”

Swansea beat Championship leaders Wolves in the third round and manager Carvalhal has promised to make changes ahead of Arsenal’s league visit on Tuesday.

“It is something where we will not risk players as our target is to stay in the division,” Carvalhal said.

“If players have one per cent risk of injury they will not be involved.

“We will change players, but we trust the whole squad and we respect the competition and Notts County.

“We will do our best to go to the next stage, but in England these games can be more difficult than Liverpool because the opposition are organised and right.”