Key to miss out once more as Duff expects tough Sunderland challenge 

However, the Northern Irishman revealed the versatile former Exeter defender who is suffering from a muscle injury sustained against Leicester City a fortnight ago is likely to be back in contention after the forthcoming international break. 

Meanwhile, the former Barnsley head-coach sees tomorrow’s opposition as a tough test of his side’s credentials. 

Tony Mowbray’s play-off chasing outfit, like the Swans ended a run of successive defeats last time out by beating Norwich City. The Championship’s top scorer Jack Clarke notching his ninth of the season in the 3-1 victory and will again be the Mackems main threat having scored in the fixture last season. 

The Swans got back to winning ways last weekend ending a run of back-to-back home defeats with a first victory at Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers in 52 years. 

Liam Cullen’s first-half strike in the 1-0 victory proved to be enough on the day as Duff’s side continued their strong recent record away from home which has seen them take ten points from the last 12. 

At home, it has been a slightly different story with just two wins in seven outings coming in front of the Jack Army. Duff though feels that his side is full of confidence and ready for the challenge. 

“It’s been a really good week. After a three-game week it’s nice to get a block of training in,” said Duff. 

“There’s a good feeling around the place, I thought we were good against Blackburn. We have won five out of seven and there is a positive feel. 

“We had a difficult start, there’s no getting away from that but one thing that hasn’t changed is the attitude and spirit of the players. 

“Sunderland are a really good team, young, loads of energy and real good quality in wide areas. We’re going to have to be bang at it, but I think we’ve proved we can hurt teams too.  

“We know we’re going to have to be at our best, play our way and be on the front foot from the start.” 

The Swans boss also revealed he will be without forward Myko Kuharevich once more this weekend with the Ukrainian likely set for a significant period on the sidelines.  

“I think we have the same pool of players. Josh Key is probably going to be another couple of weeks which is disappointing,” continued Duff. 

“It looks like Myko could be out for four to six weeks, I think it’s the ligament in the lateral side of his knee. 

“Joe’s [Allen] progress is good, he’s still a long way from being fit. Azeem [Abdulai] was running properly on the treadmill the other day so there is progress within it.” 

[Lead image: Swansea City FC]