Swansea City winger Pablo Hernandez has said that he is looking forward to tonight's Europa League clash with Valencia at the Liberty Stadium.

The Spanish international, who left the Mestalla for South Wales in 2012, has struggled with injury this term, which saw him miss the Swans' 3-0 victory over Los Che in September.

Hernandez hopes that his hamstring and thigh troubles are now behind him as he looks forward to the visit of his former club.

"This game is very special to me because this is my old team, but for the rest of the squad it is also very important," he told reporters. "I missed the first game at the Mestalla but I went to the game with the squad and it was a special night.

"Valencia is my second home. I was there for eight years, and this will be a special game for my family and friends. I have trained this week with the team and hopefully I will play.

"The last three months have been very hard for me. But to play on Thursday night would be special for me."

A point tonight will guarantee Swansea's place in the knockout stage of the competition.