Connor Roberts believes Swansea City’s resurgent form could yet open a back door entrance to the Championship play-offs.

The odds may be stacked against the Swans climbing back into the top six, but with four of their remaining seven matches at home and their three away games all against teams below them, the Wales defender has not given up hope.

Roberts has been a mainstay for Graham Potter this season and was convinced the tide would turn after the club suffered three successive defeats, before their recent back-to-back victories over Brentford and Middlesbrough.

““I think it’s been a long time coming,” smiled Roberts after he followed Matt Grimes and Wayne Routledge onto the scoresheet in the 3-1 win against Boro at the weekend.

“Year after year, the Championship is wide open. With a couple of wins, you can be right up there but, with a couple of losses, you can be right down.

“We’ve played well and need to play well again on Tuesday at home to Stoke and, hopefully, get the result. A lot of the lads are enjoying playing at the moment – passing the ball about and taking some risks.”

Swansea are a long way back in 13th spot, but with a game in hand and four of their remaining seven matches at home, they at least have momentum – which is more than can be said for Boro.

Their Welsh manager Tony Pulis appears vulnerable to the sack after a sixth straight defeat, although the manager seems to believe his chairman Steve Gibson is simply too nice a bloke to wield an axe so close to the end of the season.

“Like I’ve said, I came up to Middlesbrough for Steve – he’s the man that counts,” said Pulis in response to queries about how long he may remain in charge.

“Whichever way you cook it, we’ve got a good relationship and he’s a good fella.”