Roberto's plea to Swans stars

Roberto Martinez has called on his Swansea players to rubbish the pundits' predictions that the Swans will be relegated.

Much of the media and the bookmakers are predicting a season of struggle for the Swans, following their League One success last season, but Martinez is confident his players can prove the doubters wrong.

The Spaniard told the Swansea Evening Post: "It's normal that not many people are talking about Swansea doing anything in the Championship.

"When you are on the outside you go by names and on how much money has been spent."

Martinez added: "I have never seen anyone from the national press at one of our training sessions. I don't think they know how we work.

"It would be a surprise to me if anyone came out and said Swansea City will do well in the Championship. It would surprise me and it would show a fantastic knowledge of the game."