Michael Laudrup has played down fears that Swansea City's involvement in three competitions could hinder his team's chances of avoiding relegation from the Premier League.

The Swans booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win away to Birmingham City this afternoon, with Wilfried Bony bagging a brace after Lee Novak had initially opened the scoring for the hosts.

City resume their Europa League campaign with a two-legged clash with Napoli next month but, with Laudrup's men sitting just three points above the drop zone, it had been suggested that fixture congestion could damage the club's survival hopes.

"A win always gives confidence but again this is another competition and that is one of the downsides to a team that is used to playing in so many competitions," he told reporters.

"In our case we are entering February and we're still in three competitions. Is that good or bad? Personally I feel it's good as it gives a lot of games and a lot of experience.

"But on the other hand it's understandable that some people say that wouldn't it be better to have one – the Premier League – to focus and concentrate on that.

"I can understand that point of view as well but I still feel it's always better to win than to lose."

Swansea host fellow strugglers Fulham at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday night.