Kevin Austin believes Swansea City must kill off Crewe's chance of an upset early if they want to avoid falling to defeat at Gresty Road.The League One leaders travel to the struggling side tomorrow with a word of warning from Austin, who was impressed by the Alex when they were beaten 2-1 at the Liberty Stadium little more than two weeks ago.
Goals from Tom Butler and Paul Anderson gave Swansea a comfortable victory, though Crewe fought back to bag a late consolation.
Austin, who could win his first league start in almost three months due to Marcos Painter's one-match suspension, insists Swansea need to quickly finish off Steve Holland's side.
"Crewe are hot and cold in terms of form," he said. "But when they are hot they are very good. Over the years I have seen them wipe the floor with teams.
"We go there hoping we won't be one of the victims. We have to kill them off. They have showed they are more than capable of upsetting teams.
"We beat them not long ago but they showed that if we give them one chance, they can score."
Alan Tate is battling for the left-back spot with Austin, who turns 35 on Tuesday.
A solid performer who has not let Swansea down when called upon, Austin would relish the opportunity to win his spot in the team.
"I am pushing every week to play so tomorrow will be no different," he said. "Just because Paints is suspended it doesn't mean I will automatically slot in.
"If I get selected I will give it my best shot. The gaffer has said nothing to me yet, so it's business as usual.
"It would be nice to start because it has been a long time coming. If it doesn't then I will keep my head down, work hard in training and keep going.
"The boys have defended really well this season and I take my hat off to them."