Swansea City are in a much stronger position to secure promotion this season, according to Andy Hinchcliffe.

The Swans emerged as surprise contenders to go up last term after squeezing into the play-off spots in the closing stages of the last campaign.

However Steve Cooper's side fell short in the play-offs and were subjected to another season in the Championship.

Since then Swansea have really kicked on and now find themselves in second position in the table and four points clear of the play-off spots after 24 fixtures.

Having conceded just 13 times this season Cooper's side have the best defensive record in the league by some distance - something that, according to Hinchcliffe, is a huge achievement given their attack-minded style of play.

Speaking on the Sky Sports EFL Podcast, Hinchcliffe said: "They lost a few players from that team but if you look at their defensive record this season they’ve conceded 13 goals from 24 games.

“They’re not a defensive team but they defend really well. They have the balance absolutely right.

“Three strong centre-halves, brilliant attacking wing-backs, the balance in the midfield three works really well and a couple of strikers who are scoring goals.

“But they have that defensive foundation that they maybe didn’t have last season. They’re a forward-thinking team but they defend as a unit.

“What an incredible job Steve Cooper has done.

“To lose key players from last season but end up with a more rounded team this time around is really impressive.”

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The Verdict

Swansea City look like the real deal this season.

Steve Cooper has done a wonderful job and it's no surprise to see them firmly in the mix for automatic promotion.

You certainly wouldn't bet against the Swans maintaining this form over the rest of the campaign - something which has to be bad news for the likes of Watford, Brentford and Bournemouth in the chasing pack.