'Everybody's aware we can go up a level' - Sheehan

Alan Sheehan's Swansea are without a win in their past four home Championship games, though three of those were draws

Alan Sheehan says his Swansea City side are capable of "going up a level" as they look to climb the Championship table.

Swansea have made a steady if unspectacular start to the season, taking 13 points from their first 10 league games to sit 13th.

That is the same position Swansea were in at this stage last season, though they have one more point now than Luke Williams' team had 12 months ago.

Last weekend's draw at Southampton means Swansea have won only once in six league games as they prepare to host Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday (19:45 BST), but Sheehan believes they are moving in the right direction.

"I think the points tally, what are we, one better off [than last season]? We'd like a few more points but still the points tally is fine," Swansea's head coach said.

"Level of performance, I think we still need to get to a place where we're more consistent in games and we want to create more chances.

"But look, there's a lot of areas to improve on and we are still in a half-decent position.

"We've got no divine right to win every game but we have to respect that we know we can go up another level. I think everybody is aware of that."

Swansea have taken six points from their past six league games after banking seven from their first four Championship fixtures this season

Expectations at Swansea have increased this year courtesy of a positive summer transfer window.

The Welsh club said farewell to some influential performers – such as Harry Darling, Lewis O'Brien, Kyle Naughton and Joe Allen – but made a number of notable signings including Cameron Burgess, Ethan Galbraith, Marko Stamenic and Adam Idah.

Swansea's squad looks more balanced than at any point in recent years but, as yet, Sheehan's team have not hit peak form with any great consistency.

"I think in terms of playing the beautiful game over a course of a season in the Championship, it's difficult," Sheehan added.

"I think in the first 10 games we have played some good teams. We're in a place where we've been in every game so far.

"I think there's been some games where the level of performance has been good - in the [two] Sheffield games etc - and there have been parts of all these different games where we have been quite good. But we need to put the games to bed when we're on top."

While Sheehan's Swansea have looked solid for the most part, their issues have been in attack.

The lack of a cutting edge has been an issue in a number of games, with Swansea particularly short of a threat as they claimed a fortuitous point against the Saints.

Swansea have scored 10 league goals this season – only four Championship teams have fewer, three of whom are in the bottom three – while according to Opta, only Derby County (8.17) have a lower XG this season than Sheehan's team (9.7).

"We want to be more clinical in our decision-making when we get into attacking areas," Sheehan said.

"Ultimately we want to have more of the game taking place in the opposition half, knocking on the door and getting that opportunity to attack teams relentlessly."