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Nathan Dyer has vowed to shake off speculation of a Swansea City exit and prove he’s still the same “flying machine” he always has been.

But the Liberty wideman has welcomed the new wealth of wing options in Garry Monk’s squad that leaves him sweating on a place to face Premier League champions Chelsea this weekend as Swansea bid to even better their record-book ripping up campaign of last season.

Dyer, 27, spent a chunk of last season out of Garry Monk’s side after a period of inconsistency, while the arrival of the likes of Andre Ayew and the form of Jefferson Montero saw some suggestions of a Liberty exit this summer.

New boys Norwich had been linked with the long-serving Swan only for Monk to give him a chance to impress in pre-season as he faces up to a fight for a first team spot.

Read more:Swansea City fans would sell Dyer this summer

Tipped for an England call-up 12 months ago, Dyer has revealed he started pre-season early after sensing the increase scrap for spots in a Swans squad he says could compete regardless of who they field.

And he is adamant it is a fight he can win as he claimed he can still be the wide force that made him an integral part of success in South Wales as he insisted the aim is to go beyond last season’s achievements.

Read more: The expert's Swansea City season preview

(Image: Action Images via Reuters)

“It’s been important to take you chances in pre-season and every time I’ve gone out on the field I know I have to give it my all to show what I can do and perform to the best of my ability,” said Dyer, whose energy has caught the eye in the warm-up fixtures ahead of Saturday’s showdown at Stamford Bridge.

“Hopefully I can make an impact because I feel great. I worked hard during the offseason. I am sharp, I am strong and I am waiting for my opportunity to show I am the same flying machine that I can be.”

Read more: How Swansea City will have to become record-breakers all over again to beat Chelsea

Dyer finished the season in Monk’s XI but only after injury to Wayne Routledge opened the door, while the Swans’ ability to switch to a diamond had already squeezed the pressure on the wideman.

That has increased with Ayew and striker Eder adding their names to the attacking mix, but Dyer said: “Competition is healthy and important to drive players on. There are two or three players for each position and it has added an edge to training. You know you will miss out sometimes, but that is football and you have to keep your head down and keep going.

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(Image: Paul Harding/PA Wire)

“We have been fielding two teams during pre-season and they would both be competitive in the Premier League. It keeps everyone on their toes and that is so important over a long season.

“It is a numbers game; there is strength in each position and I have to be on top form to get in there. I am hoping I can chip in with a few goals and get my games. I have a goal target in mind and that is what I will work towards.”

Dyer hit three last year, half the number he managed the previous term, but is clear he is targeting more this season as Swansea start the difficult task of bettering a campaign where they registered a record number of points.

(Image: PA Wire)

But asked for the side’s ambitions, Dyer stressed: “We want to do better than last season and keep developing as a team. We want to go higher in the table and that is the focus.

“It will be tough to do as well as last season, but I feel we have a really good squad and everyone will have their chance. The manager has a lot ammunition to use to win games.

“People underestimate our chances of doing it but that is how it has been since I have been at the club.

“That is what comes with being here, you keep proving people wrong. It is water off a duck’s back. We just focus on ourselves.

“We know it is a tough start and Chelsea are an amazing team, but we are a strong team ourselves.

“We beat some of the big teams last season and hopefully we can cause an upset.”