Alan Pardew encouraged by desire of West Bromwich Albion players

West Bromwich Albion head coach Alan Pardew has claimed that his players have "a thirst for success" ahead of their trip to Swansea City.

The Baggies currently sit just above the relegation zone in the Premier League table having recorded three successive draws, with a visit to bottom-of-the-table Swansea coming up on Saturday.

Pardew has set his players a target of nine wins in order to retain their top-flight status, and the new boss is keen for three points to be recorded at the Liberty Stadium.

The 56-year-old told reporters: "We've had a really good week on the training ground. I've learnt that the players have a thirst for success and a determination to turn things around.

"We need to turn up on Saturday afternoon and we need to win the game. Football is about results. We need to win at least nine games. Hopefully after Saturday it will be eight.

"A win would lift the confidence of the players. We've lost the lead in matches and we've drawn too many games. Swansea are under just as much pressure as we are to get the win."

Swansea are just four points adrift of West Brom in the standings.