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Leave Bodde out of it - Pratley

Darren Pratley
Pratley formed a key midfield trio with Bodde and Leon Britton

Midfielder Darren Pratley wants Swansea to beat Coventry on Boxing Day to prove they can win without Ferrie Bodde.

The Swans have drawn all six games since Dutchman Bodde was ruled out for the season with cruciate knee ligament damage a month ago.

And Pratley said: "If we keep playing well, hopefully we'll get the three points instead of one.

"It gets us moving up the table and gets you [the media] to stop talking about Ferrie."

Playmaker Bodde has been a vital cog in Swansea's wheel this season, scoring seven times.

But his absence since being stretchered off during the 3-2 home defeat to Birmingham has been noticed in the Swans midfield.

Pratley, 23, who signed from Fulham for �100,000 18 months ago, admits he is frustrated at not being able to kill teams off.

In those six draws, the Swans have dominated in most of the games, but have ended up sharing the spoils.

"The sooner we get the win, the better," he said.

"If we keep playing as we are, I'm sure some team is going to be on the back of a real hiding."

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see also
Swansea v Coventry
22 Dec 08 |  Championship
BBC Sport Wales coverage
28 Oct 08 |  Wales


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