Martinez plays down play-off talk

Venue: Liberty Stadium Date: Friday, 21 November Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Coverage: Live coverage on BBC Radio Wales SW FM, plus live second-half commentary (from 20.45 GMT) on BBC Radio 5 Live & updates on BBC Sport website

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Martinez's side have won four and drawn four of their home games

Roberto Martinez insists Swansea City's main aim this season is to consolidate their position in the Championship.

The Swans have earned the plaudits in their first season back in English football's second tier and are a point off the play-offs.

But Martinez, whose side host second-place Birmingham at the Liberty Stadium on Friday, will not talk promotion.

"It's easy to perform over one or two months but you have to do it over 10," said the Swans boss.

"At the moment we are in a great position - which is what the people say.

"But we need to carry on over the next three or four months and that's going to show if we are strong enough to be at this level or not and that's our biggest aim in the Championship."

606: DEBATE At Swansea we don't just play football, we play M&S football, Birmingham beware. shwmaibutscfc

The Swans will be looking to claim another former Premier League scalp in Birmingham after last weekend's 3-2 win at Norwich.

The Blues are looking to bounce back at the first attempt and Martinez knows his side will have to be on top form.

He said: "We need to be aware that if we are not on top of our game, we won't be able to compete.

"That's the challenge for the players and the football club as a whole."

The other challenge for the Swans is to preserve their unbeaten home record in the Championship, shared only by Reading.

"It's a huge, huge statement," added Martinez.

"Being strong at home allows you to be strong and build."