Carlos Carvalhal believes the performance of Swansea’s fringe players in the FA Cup will aid the club’s fight for Premier League survival.
As in the previous round against Wolves, the Swans boss made eight changes to his team for Saturday’s fourth-round tie at Notts County.
One of the players to come in – Luciano Narsingh – scored the opening goal while the likes of fit-again Tammy Abraham and Kyle Bartley got some valuable game time under their belts.
Also, as against Wolves, Swansea need a replay, which will take place at the Liberty Stadium on February 6, if they are to progress further but Carvalhal sees it as another opportunity for some players to play matches.
“We put a lot of players in who have not been involved in games recently and now they will get another chance,” he said.
“We need all our squad ready to come in if needed. This is how we use this competition because the Premier League is the priority, we have never hidden this.
“Most of the players will be ready now to play against Arsenal on Tuesday, which is good for my selection.
“They have got some minutes and that will help them come into selection going forward.”
Jon Stead scored Notts County’s equalising goal as the Sky Bet League Two side earned a deserved replay.
The veteran striker’s 11th goal of the season saw him find the net for the sixth successive match as he maintained his record of scoring in every round of the FA Cup so far this campaign.
Magpies manager Kevin Nolan is pleased to see Stead’s effort getting the acknowledgement it deserves.
“I spoke a month or so ago about Steady and said his contribution to our football was absolutely terrific,” said the boss.
“Now he is scoring the goals himself and that is why everyone is talking about him again.
“But he brings more than that to my team, he has been magnificent and one of our outstanding performers of the season so far and long may it continue.”
