By Chris Barney
South Wales Evening Post

Angel Rangel has demanded a major improvement at Preston tomorrow night after experiencing the worst afternoon of his Swansea City career.

The Spaniard was part of the horror show at Reading on Saturday as the Royals inflicted on Swansea the biggest defeat of Roberto Martinez's reign.

Reading, who were two leagues above Swansea last term, showed their capabilities with a comprehensive victory against a Swansea side that put in their worst performance of the season.

And Rangel said he and his team-mates must pick themselves up and learn from their mistakes.

"When you concede four goals it is very, very disappointing," said the right-back. "As a defender it will be very hard to look back at that game and watch the goals again.

"We are conceding silly goals from set-pieces and crosses, which we have to stop. It is no good just saying that we must learn from our mistakes — we have to prevent these silly goals.

"This was the worst game I have been involved in while I have been here. But in a situation like this you look to the next game and make a huge improvement.

"We have Preston tomorrow and everyone must go into that game ready to do much better because we didn't reach the standards expected of us."

Preston currently sit fourth in the Championship — level on points with Reading — while leaders Wolves arrive at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.

Swansea now lie three points off the relegation spots after eight games.

"Last season we got away with things but at this level you can't do that because there are big clubs and players and you will be punished," said Rangel.

"I expected this season to be a lot harder and that has been proved.

"You see the table and we are not in a good position.

"But we know we have the players here that can take us away from trouble and move up the table.

"Hopefully we can make up for this setback and reach our standards at Preston."

Swansea are checking the fitness of Darren Pratley, Marcos Painter and Shaun MacDonald ahead of the trip. Ferrie Bodde will play his last game before serving a one-match suspension after picking up five bookings.

Supporters are reminded that they can pay on the day by cash only at Deepdale.

The club have also thanked the 2,900 who travelled to Reading — Swansea's best away support this season — for their good behaviour.

Swansea's fourth-round Carling Cup tie at home to Watford will be played on either November 11 or 12.

Watford will be making back-to-back trips to the Liberty as they arrive for a league game on the Sunday prior to the cup clash.