Ainsworth backing Sousa

The Portuguese coach looks set to take charge at the Liberty Stadium this week following Roberto Martinez's switch to Wigan and he is charged with improving on last season's eighth-placed finish and launching a promotion bid.

And Ainsworth, who worked under Sousa during his four-month tenure at Loftus Road last term, believes promotion could be on the cards for Swansea.

"No stone is left unturned with Paulo and it's bad news for everyone else in the league," he told Wales on Sunday. "It means Swansea will be just as good as last year, if not better.

"I always thought Paulo would be a big success in British football. It looks like Swansea will be the ones to benefit from it. He could make them serious challengers."