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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

'We know what we need' Russell Martin's transfer admission after Birmingham City draw as boss gives Paterson and Downes updates

Russell Martin says Swansea City's goalless draw with Birmingham City has reinforced his desire to bolster his squad in the summer.

The Swans were without Jamie Paterson and Flynn Downes for the clash with Lee Bowyer's men and lacked energy throughout having faced Peterborough United away from home just three days earlier.

The Blues created the better opportunities in south Wales, although Swansea held on to claim a point and register their 14th Championship clean sheet of the season. And Martin says the blunt display fully exposed the lack of depth in Swansea's squad.

"I didn't enjoy the game. We started OK and Hannes [Wolf] should score after a few minutes," he said. "We lacked a bit of zip and energy. The players have given everything they've got. I think there was a time we would have lost that game.

"We've had 21 hours on the bus this week. We got back at 3am on Thursday. I'm pretty sure that explains today. We tried to guard against it. But it never got going. We didn't give the supporters enough to work off.

"But we kept a clean sheet and on the whole, performance levels they've shown since then [against Sheffield United], the points we've gained, before today I've been really pleased with the group. It also shows the importance of having depth next season. We haven't got enough. It's something we need to address for next season.

"I love the group of players we've got but we need a few specialists in certain areas. Nat [Nathanael Ogbeta] came on and showed some of the tools he's going to have for that wing-back position. We know what we need. We're not learning, it's reinforcing what we know. In terms of what we feel we need for the summer, it's been pretty set in stone for a while and we need to get working on it soon."

READ MORE: The flat Swansea City player ratings as several men lack energy in Birmingham City draw

Downes was omitted from the matchday squad while Paterson was initially named in the starting lineup before being replaced by Korey Smith after sustaining an injury in the warm-up.

But Martin has revealed their absences were precautionary measures ahead of the Cardiff City contest after the international break.

"Flynn was tight from Wednesday. He felt a muscle and didn't want to risk it. He was willing to play but it would have been madness to play him and then lose him," added Martin. "Pato felt he could play but he felt a little tightness in the warm-up, so you have to make these decisions and listen to the medical team.

"They're not easy decisions, but I think they have to be the right ones for the big picture."

What did you make of Swansea's performance against Birmingham? Have your say in our comments section.

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