Swans boss Paulo Sousa admitted his side looked tired as they edged a point closer to securing a play-off place with a goalless draw against Sheffield Wednesday at the Liberty Stadium.

Despite an encouraging second-half performance that should have secured the three points after Shefki Kuqi, Darren Pratley, Ashley Williams and Lee Trundle all went close, Paulo's side couldn't find the golden goal.

But with results elsewhere going Swansea's way, it could turn out to be a crucial point come the shake up on May 2 as the Swans moved 10 points clear of seventh-placed Blackpool with 10 games to go.

"It was a difficult game, as I predicted beforehand,'' explained Paulo. "They were very well organized.

"After all the travelling we've done recently and the difficult challenge we had at Watford on Tuesday, we looked tired physically and mentally to make good decisions.

"We tried to push them hard at the end and had opportunities to win the game, but we didn't have the luck we deserved.

"I made changes in the second half and we looked more aggressive with and without the ball. I thought we controlled it.

"But we were unable to play the way we would like to. The players are tired both physically and mentally and we haven't had time to prepare for different opponents.

"We try to win every game, but our fans must be educated to know that they need to help the players and not pass their anxiety on to the field as we need them to believe and support."

Sheffield Wednesday manager Alan Irvine added: "I think we deserved a draw and had to work very hard for it.

"We knew there would be periods when we didn't have the ball and were prepared for that.

"Midway through the first half we began passing the ball much better and it was only in the closing stages that I felt a little worried.

"Swansea have a fantastic record of winning games 1-0 and I was a little nervous as the game moved to a close.

"We have recently played three of the top sides and not looked out of place but we have to build on these performances to push on and have a lot of hard work to do.''