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Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has accused Swansea City manager Garry Monk of disrespecting the FA Cup.

The Anfield goal hero, who played for Cardiff City in their run to the 2008 final, has slammed the Swans for fielding a weakened team as they crashed out of the cup at Blackburn.

Monk left international stars like Ashley Williams, Federico Fernandez and Neil Taylor out of the starting line-up as his team were beaten 3-1 on the day of the underdogs.

But as Premier League title-chasers Chelsea and Manchester City went out to lower league opposition, the striker, who won the cup in Cardiff in 2001, insists the Swans missed a big chance to go all the way.

He said: “We talk about managers disrespecting the FA Cup and for me Garry Monk has disrespected the competition.

The pick of the images as the Swans waved goodbye to the FA Cup

“There are no midweek games so it was a chance for Swansea City to play their strongest side and get a bit of confidence back against a Blackburn side that are not in great shape themselves.

“They’ve had a little bit of bad form so, for me, Swansea have missed a big opportunity.”

The Swans were eventually sunk by two former Cardiff players, Rudy Gestede and Craig Conway, who both scored the goals that sent them out of the cup and Fowler, who scored 186 goals in his 19-year career, insists the 2013 League Cup winners were wrong to prioritise the league this season.

He said: “Swansea are a good footballing side but with all due respect they’re not going to get into the Champions League places.

“They could possibly get into the Europa League places but this was a chance for Swansea to try to go far in a cup competition.”