Laudrup eyes semi-final spot

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup says to reach the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup would be "fantastic" for everyone connected to the club.

The Swans host Middlesbrough in the quarter-finals on Wednesday evening and are 7/1 to beat the Championship side 2-1, with a clean sheet at 11/8.

Laudrup was quick to focus on the quarter-final following the weekend's disappointing defeat to Norwich, believing a win would give the club a huge boost. The 48-year-old took Getafe to the final of the Copa del Rey in 2008 and hopes to emulate that achievement with Swansea.

"I won medals with big teams but that's different because you can go to a final and lose but the next year you get the chance to go to another final and perhaps win, or win the league," said the former Barcelona player, whose side are 9/2 to win the trophy.

"But at a smaller clubs it's different. I can say it because I tried it with Getafe and it was a fantastic year. It was difficult because we started so poorly in the league and it nearly cost us in the end because we had three competitions and it can be difficult.

"But in this competition where we can go into [the] last four which could be great, not only for the fans but the players as well."

He added: "You go into the league and can say your target is this or that, to avoid relegation or finish in mid-table, but there is no trophy. The trophy is to play one more year.

"But to actually play for a trophy is fantastic."

Leon Britton, Pablo Hernandez and Michael Vorm are all doubtful for the Swans, who will also be without Ashley Williams due to suspension.

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