Cooper spent two-and-half-years as manager of Kettering

Peterborough United boss Mark Cooper has said his side cannot expect to outplay many of the Championship's better sides.

Posh have managed just two wins in 18 matches so far this season and Cooper wants to see them hustle opponents.

He told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "The teams we are playing against have been here a number of years and have really good ex-Premier League players.

"You can't out play every team, you need to win the battle first."

Cooper's former side Kettering are well known for their organisation and direct style of play.

The 40-year-old hopes to add extra steel and grit to the current qualities of his Posh squad.

"It's not just about the back four, it's about defending as a unit and becoming more solid all over the pitch," he said.

"We defended well against Middlesbrough on Saturday, but their second goal was a great goal."

Posh have lost to Plymouth and Barnsley, amongst others, at London Road and Cooper says a continuation of that form will see them relegated.

"We have to take points off sides who are within striking distance of ourselves and we haven't really done that this season," he said.

"We don't want to play long ball, but we do have a long-throw [Exodus Geohaghon] and it gives us another option offensively."

Gabby Zakuani remains an injury doubt ahead of Swansea on Saturday having picked up a groin injury against Middlesbrough last weekend.

Charlie Lee will play at right-back should Zakuani miss out having shaken off a knock, whilst Krystian Pearce is a further option.

Exodus Geohaghon and Ryan Bennett are likely to continue in central defence and Cooper has no further injury concerns.

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