South Wales Evening Post

Leon Britton has urged travelling fans to roar Swansea City home when they bid to open their Championship account at Charlton tomorrow.

Some 3,300 away supporters will be at The Valley to see Swansea play their first second-tier league game since 1984.

The visitors' allocation sold out weeks ago, and Swansea could have taken hundreds more fans had Charlton not turned down a request for extra tickets.

And Britton admits Roberto Martinez's players are relishing the prospect of running out in front of a throbbing away end.

"It's the club's first game at this level for a long time and I'm sure our fans are going to give us a massive boost when we step out just to warm-up, never mind when we get to kick-off time," the midfielder said.

"The supporters can play a big part for us tomorrow and for the rest of the season.

"I think we averaged something like 1,200 for away games last season, and I'm sure it's going to be more than that this year because the fans will be keen to be there cheering us on against some big clubs at big grounds.

"Their backing can have a big influence. You hear people saying it all the time, but it really does lift you when you're feeling tired late on in a game and the crowd get behind you.

"You find that bit of extra energy which can be the difference between a loss and a draw or a draw and a win."

Charlton tickets have been snapped up despite the fact they are priced £30 - far more than Swansea fans have had to pay to watch lower-league football in recent times.

"The support we get is great when you consider the miles the fans have to put in and the money they have to spend," Britton added.

"All we can do as players is give it our best to try to get results so that they can enjoy their journeys home."

Britton reckons any kind of result will leave Swansea smiling as they test themselves against a Charlton side who were playing top-flight football only 15 months ago.

The first few weeks of the campaign will be all about finding bearings for Martinez's men, who boast hardly any Championship experience between them.

Britton and Co will also discover where they stand in the pecking order within a Liberty Stadium squad brimming with viable options for the manager.

"There are a lot of players to choose from," the former West Ham youngster said, "and everybody is waiting to see what team is picked.

"I think there are seven of us going for two or three places in central midfield, so that shows you how tough it will be. But that's a good thing. It means that whoever is picked has to get their performance level spot on or they will be out of the side."