Gower in Swans play-off warning

Last updated : 23 March 2010 By BBC Sport

Despite that, midfielder Gower believes there is more pressure on the chasing pack, including Blackpool who they face at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday.

"I wouldn't say it's a must-win game," he told BBC Sport Wales.

"We are in a strong position, we've got eight games left and they are all important games.

"Blackpool is a big game as they are one of the challengers trying to close the gap so we will be going there looking to win.

"But there's a bit of a points gap and the teams chasing have got to be looking to win five or six out of their last eight games.

"We're not in that position, we've got a little bit of room to manoeuvre with.

"The pressure is on, but at this moment in time there's other teams with more pressure than us."

Gower, who joined on a free transfer from Southend at the start of last season, knows what clubs like Blackpool - 10 points behind Swansea and six behind Cardiff in the last play-off place - are going through having experienced it with the Swans last season.

"Last year we were playing catch-up and every time we had a chance to win to get into the play-off places, we never got the right result," said the 31-year-old.

"When you are chasing, there's not much room for error.

"This year is a bit different. I think the automatic places are gone for us now but we need a couple of results to get our play-off place and I'm sure we will get them."

But Gower praised how Swansea managed to overcome a difficult start to the season following the loss of manager Roberto Martinez to Wigan, along with his backroom staff and top scorer Jason Scotland.

"You look at the start of the season with all the upheaval, and reaching the play-offs will be a major, major achievement for the club," he added.

"It's one of the smaller clubs in the division budget-wise and for the boys to be where we are now is great.

"But because we've had such a good season and we are in a strong position now, it would be a major upset if we didn't make the play-offs and it would be disappointing."

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport