By Chris Wathan
Western Mail

Rivals will collide tonight as the South Wales derby returns after nearly 10 years in the making.

Swansea City and Cardiff City will once again go head-to-head for the title of 'Pride of Wales' with two sets of fans desperate for victory.

Not since 1999 have the Swans and the Bluebirds met in a match of any real note, and then it was back in the basement division.

But now, with the clubs from the nation's two main cities riding high in football's second tier, the Carling Cup has brought together the old foes for a game guaranteed to set pulses racing.

Now, as Roberto Martinez and Dave Jones get set to send their sides into the Liberty Stadium showdown, it is time for a new generation of idols to write their names alongside the likes of Alan Curtis, Phil Dwyer, Roger Freestone and Scott Young.

Swans manager Martinez said: "We all know Cardiff-Swansea is not like any other game.

"There are certain games where the atmosphere will live long in your memory and tonight will be a unique occasion. Games like these are why you get involved in football - whether you are a player, a manager or a fan.

"It is a huge derby and a game we have not had in such a long time. If a week is a long time in football, then nine years is an eternity.

"I have no doubt that this game has all the ingredients for the perfect occasion for Welsh football.

"There may not be many local lads playing in either side, but they are still all attached to the colours they defend."

Bluebirds boss Dave Jones added: "It doesn't matter what level you are playing at when it comes to derbies. If you go to Sunday leagues and see two rival clubs from neighbouring towns, it's still the same.

"If you play the game, there is always a buzz with derbies.

"There is something special about them that, as a player, should make you love being involved in them."