Russell Martin has whisked his Swansea squad to Scotland to prepare for a first managerial reunion with Norwich City in the Championship. 

The Canaries resume their league season in Wales on December 10 following the World Cup shutdown one point and three places ahead of Martin’s side. 

The long-serving former City defender, who led the club to Championship promotion via Wembley in 2015, headed north this week for friendlies against Hearts and Dundee United. 

Smith’s squad opted for a warm weather training camp in Tampa prior to returning for a scheduled behind-closed-doors outing against top flight opposition. 

Martin views his old club’s upcoming league visit as a first chance to kick on in the run up to the festive period. 

“I think this is a really good week for us ahead of the Norwich game next week,” he said. “We will look back at this as an important part of the process and a chance to use the break wisely. 

“It’s been helpful and we want to come out of it in a better position that we started, and the (friendly) games will help with that. 

“We had a good week of training last week, and we were really pleased with the mentality the lads showed after a short break. 

“They have come back with a willingness and appetite to work seriously hard, and we have been through a really honest analysis of where we are at and the season so far.

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“We have looked at what has been good, what has not been so good and what we want and need to improve on. 

“We have had lots of good feedback from the group when we have talked about those elements and I feel we are all in agreement. 

“That has fed nicely into this week and the two games we have as we look to implement some stuff we have been working on.” 

The Swans came from behind to beat Hearts 2-1 at Tynecastle in midweek, and face a public workout this weekend against Dundee United. 

“We showed some great stuff against Hearts, a really good side who provided excellent opposition,” said Martin, speaking to his club’s official site. “There are still bits to improve on, but being together this week, travelling together and being around each other has been good. 

“We were due to play Rangers behind closed doors but obviously there has been a big change there (new manager appointed). But that’s football, and we have been able to arrange a game against Dundee United at short notice. 

“It will be in front of a crowd too, which is good, and a big thank you to their head coach Liam Fox for helping sort that. 

“I was on my ‘Pro’ licence with Liam and he is a good guy and I think it will be a very good game for us.”