By Gareth Vincent
South Wales Evening Post

Marcos Painter believes Swansea City can launch a play-off tilt in their debut Championship campaign.

Roberto Martinez's men have talked through the top-six target.

And Painter (inset) has seen enough in the first fortnight of the season to convince him that Swansea can achieve the goal.

Fans would be happy just to see Swansea cement their Championship status this term after 24 years in the lower-league doldrums.

But Swansea, who face Plymouth Argyle in front of the Sky cameras on Saturday, are harbouring loftier ambitions.

"Confidence is high after our win over Nottingham Forest," said Painter, "and I think everyone feels we can definitely cope in this division.

"But we are not just setting out to cope. We are looking to push on and we are looking to get into the top six if we can.

"We know that's not going to be an easy task because there are a lot of tough sides in this league.

"But the gaffer has talked to us about the play-offs and he wants to go as far as we can.

"He won't settle for second best on anything and he's pushing us to the limit."

Painter admits that Swansea's players - just like their supporters - are loving every minute of life in the second tier.

"Because the club hasn't been in this league for so long it's an exciting time for everyone," the former Birmingham man added.

"I think the fans are enjoying being back at this level with so many big clubs and as players we're relishing the challenge.

"You can see every day in training and during the games that every player is pushing himself because he doesn't want to lose his place.

"The desire of the team to do well is massive."

Plymouth host Swansea looking for their first win of the campaign after defeats at Reading and Luton - in the Carling Cup - and an opening-day draw with Wolves.

Martinez's men have bounced back from their defeat on day one by Charlton and, Painter believes, begun putting their dead-ball problems right.

"Charlton was disappointing because we played some great football but conceded from two set-pieces," he said.

"We switched off a couple of times and we've learned already that you can't do that in this league. Hopefully, what happened at Charlton has made us aware of what to expect from now on."

Painter has started the season in good form - and Swansea need it to stay that way given that left-back rival Fede Bessone is sidelined with a broken rib.

"My main aim this season is to stay fit and stay in the side," he continued.

"I'm confident we're going to have a good season and I want to play my part in the club's success."