Birmingham City head coach Garry Monk has claimed he expects Swansea City to be aiming to reach the Premier League first time of asking.

According to the BBC, the 39-year-old manager, who was affiliated at the Liberty Stadium as a player and a coach for 12 years, says his former side’s ambition will be to “bounce straight back” to England’s top flight following their relegation from the Premier League last season.

Monk stated: “They have the most money and the most power. Whoever plays in that shirt, it doesn't matter what experience you've got, the expectation will always be to bounce straight back.

"They have the quality, clearly, and have had a very good start.”

Garry Monk’s Birmingham City played out a 0-0 draw against his former employers on Friday night at St Andrews, with the Blues still in search of their first victory of the season.

The English manager made 270 appearances in all competitions for the Welsh side between 2004 and 2014, scoring seven goals.

The Verdict

Swansea City certainly came into the 2018/19 Championship campaign as potential title contenders, having suffered relegation from England top flight last season.

With Premier League as their number one goal, the Swans have started the season brightly, having not lost so far this campaign.

Garry Monk’s side didn’t look overwhelmed in the clash between his current and former sides however, and will have come away feeling like they may have deserved all three points.