Laudrup eyes League Cup final

Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup has challenged his side to seal a place in the final of the League Cup.

The Swans reached their first domestic semi-final in almost 50 years after Middlesbrough defender Seb Hines headed Jonathan De Guzman’s corner into his own net 10 minutes from time to seal a 1-0 win for the Premier League side on Wednesday.

Laudrup’s side were made to work for their win by the Championship outfit, but the Dane hailed his team’s work ethic and mentality in the tie.

“Everybody had the right attitude and everyone wanted to win,” Laudrup said.

“Maybe they wanted it too much. When you want something too badly, you can’t do exactly what you are used to doing. However, we are in the semi-final and it will be very special.

“It’s fantastic to reach a semi-final. I asked the players before the game if anyone had played in a cup final and no one has.”

Swansea will face Bradford City, Aston Villa or the winners of Leeds United v Chelsea in the semi-final stage.