CHRIS Coleman believes Swansea City will thrive in the Europa League.
And he hopes to build his Wales team around the Swansea stars he has described as some of his best players.
The Wales manager yesterday revealed his squad for next Wednesday's friendly against Ireland, including three Swansea defenders — Ben Davies, Neil Taylor and the captain Ashley Williams.
There were doubts as to how prominent a role the trio would play because of their involvement in the Swans' Europa League match at Malmo tonight, but Coleman did not hesitate to include all three.
He was at the Liberty Stadium last week to watch Swansea's stylish 4-0 drubbing of Malmo in the first leg of their third qualifying round tie, and he expects Michael Laudrup's men to march on into the latter stages of the competition.
"I think Swansea can do really well in the Europa League," said Coleman.
"They need a kind draw because there are some tasty teams in there but the players they have, and the new players they have signed, I think they are a stronger team. Swansea's style is very much suited to European football, as they keep the ball. They can do well in this competition."
Swansea's first-leg triumph over Malmo was particularly impressive as it was their first competitive match of the season.
Laudrup's side begin their Premier League campaign at home to Manchester United on Saturday week, and although Wales play Ireland just three days earlier, Coleman has underlined why he could not contemplate omitting any of the Swansea contingent.
"We're not in a position to say we're going to rest players," he said.
"We're not going to rest Ben Davies or Neil Taylor. This is our strongest squad and we need them all.
"Every game we play we need our best players and the Swansea City players are some of our best players."
Coleman has been able to name a strong squad for Ireland's visit to the Cardiff City Stadium, and the name which dominated yesterday's press conference was Gareth Bale.
The Tottenham winger's potential world-record move to Real Madrid inevitably dominated the agenda, though there were a few significant recalls which passed under the radar — Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and former Swansea midfielder Joe Allen among them.
With Taylor returning to the national set-up for the first time since breaking and dislocating his ankle last September, there are now three Swansea defenders in Coleman's squad. The 24-year-old is jostling with club colleague Ben Davies for the left-back starting place, but Coleman has hinted there could be room for both in his side.
The former Fulham boss alluded to the fact that Taylor played at right-back for Great Britain at last summer's Olympics, potentially opening the door for him to do the same against Ireland next week.
"Neil had a real bad injury and he's been out for a while. I think that, psychologically, he needs minutes," said Coleman.
"He's played a few games for Swansea but he just needs games and it's good for us because we've got a lot of talent in the full-back areas. It's a great problem to have. Neil is only getting better but he just needs minutes to get back to where he was.
"When you're out for that length of time you have certain psychological barriers that you have to get through. I know because I've been there myself.
"He's passing them with flying colours and it will be nice to have him back. I think Neil did a superb job at right-back in the Olympics as well, and he can play a bit further forward, but it's a good problem for me and for Michael Laudrup to have.
"Ben came in from nowhere and did brilliantly. He's kept progressing and we know what a good player Neil is so it'll be interesting."
