Joe Allen has told his Swansea City team-mates 'do not let each other down' as they hope for third time lucky in their Premier League promotion bid.Swansea were shock play-off candidates in their first Championship season in 2009 before finishing a point outside of the play-off zone last season.
But the second-placed side lost at Scunthorpe before a draw with Watford.
Wales midfielder Allen, however, said: "This is the strongest position we've been in at this stage of the season."
The Swans remain behind Championship leaders Queens Park Rangers in the automatic promotion places but third-placed Norwich City have moved to level on points with the Welsh club thanks to a six-match unbeaten run.
Brendan Rodgers' side had won four league games in succession before slumping to a 1-0 defeat at struggling Scunthorpe United on Saturday before being held 1-1 at home by mid-table Watford on Tuesday.
Swansea now travel to Derby County on Saturday hoping to extend the Rams' four-month winless home run and kick-start their own push to return to English football's top-flight after a 28-year absence.
We have 10 cup finals but the prize is there and there a lot of teams playing for it - so we'll have to make sure we're at the top of our game to achieve that
Wales and Swansea City midfielder Joe Allen
And Wales international Allen hopes his home-town club can make amends for previous years and earn Swansea Premier League promotion.
"We'll have to make sure it is third time lucky and we don't make the same mistakes," said Allen, who will celebrate his 21st birthday on Monday.
"Obviously in previous years we've been in the position where we've been playing for the grand prize. And both times we have missed out.
"We have talked a lot amongst each other and we want to make sure that we don't let each other down."
Allen admits Swansea's promotion push is "exciting" and remains pragmatic following their disappointing two-match winless run against Scunthorpe and Watford
"One point from those two games is not what we expected and not what we set out to do," said Allen.
"We don't get carried away after exciting victories like Leeds or too down after disappointments.
"But we were on a great run before and hopefully we can kick on and start a new run now.
Rodgers rues Swans defensive show
"We have 10 cup finals but the prize is there and there a lot of teams playing for it - so we'll have to make sure we're at the top of our game to achieve that."
Swansea still have to welcome fellow promotion hopefuls Nottingham Forest and Norwich before visiting in-form Burnley.
And Rodgers' men must also play relegation-threatened Sheffield United and Preston North End who are desperate for league points for different reasons.
"We set ourselves up, no matter if we're home or away, to pick up the three points and play an attacking brand of football," said Allen.
"It is something we're proud of and come the end of the season it will be a massive benefit."
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport