91Èȱ¬

Swansea City midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson believes a strong squad is essential to cope with demands of the Premier League.

Swansea dropped to seventh in the table following a 2-1 defeat away to champions Manchester City.

Iceland international Sigurdsson, 25, says Swansea's strength in depth will be tested during a busy period in December.

"We need a strong squad - it's a long season," Sigurdsson said.

"There's going to be a few injuries during the season and we need the players that are maybe not playing every game to come in strong when they're called upon."

The Swans face Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers in back to back home games followed by a further five league games before the end of December.

Garry Monk's side have lost only once at home this season.

Sigurdsson has targeted maximum points from their next two home games against Crystal Palace and QPR to maintain their place in the top 10.

"It's an important period coming up now and a few games we want to get points from," Sigurdsson added.

"We're playing at home and we're strong at home."

Striker Wilfried Bony gave Swansea the lead at Manchester City only days after signing a new contract extension with the Swans.

Sigurdsson has struck up a good understanding with the Ivorian and is pleased the 25-year-old has committed his future to the club.

"He's very easy to play with," Sigurdsson said.

"He's a strong lad and holds the ball up well and when he does that it's easy to make runs around him because he can find me.

"When he gets the chance he normally takes them. He's a fantastic player and he can score goals in any game."