Swansea City have defended giving away tickets for tomorrow's Europa League clash against Valencia to DVLA staff.

A number of fans took to online forums to express their discontent at the club giving tickets away for free when they have had to pay for their seats.

However, the Welsh outfit have insisted that the move is part of an initiative that will encourage supporters to attend future fixtures.

A spokesman told the South Wales Evening Post: "The one-off ticket project with the DVLA, one of the largest employers in the area, is part of a commercial and marketing initiative carried out in preparation for the proposed stadium expansion.

"The DVLA sports and social department will help provide us with important market research material as part of the initiative.

"It is vital we continue working towards building our fan base with new and floating supporters in order to sell-out the Liberty Stadium at every opportunity going forward, including one-off cup games."

Avoiding defeat against Valencia will likely put the Swans into the last 32 of the Europa League on Thursday.