Ralls pre-Swansea City | There has been massive progress

City captain Joe Ralls spoke to the press ahead of this weekend's South Wales derby.

The midfielder has enjoyed a stellar week, being in the squad that dramatically took three points late on against Ipswich Town on Saturday before signing a new deal with the Bluebirds on Monday.

"I'm over the moon obviously (to sign), it was great to get it done. It's never something you think about really as a footballer, but once it's done you know it's out of the way and I can just fully focus on the rest of this season.

"We will be looking to try and finish as strong as possible and then look forward to the years ahead as well.

"We know how big the game is on Saturday. You are well aware of when these games are coming round the corner so preparations will be similar, it's still a football game, but we know what's at stake."

Victory in Swansea this weekend would mean a fourth derby win out of four this season.

Rallsy continued: "Obviously we have already played them this season, winning that shows how much this game means to us as a group of players and the supporters. So I don't think it necessarily needs to be told now, but it is a massive game and one we are looking forward to.

"They have got a new manager this time so it is something we will have to analyse, we have had meetings today and will have more tomorrow. Obviously we have got to focus on ourselves, what we can do to hurt them and our strengths, but we will look into that as well.

"I think we have a real good togetherness, and I think not just in the derby game but all through the season we have shown the togetherness. Obviously you go in to these games wanting to win, sometimes it doesn't work for us but I have never felt that any team has not wanted it as much.

"I think we have a real strong team this year. I think we are a better side on the pitch but also off the pitch. It has stood us in good stead so far so we will be looking for that again on Saturday.

"We want to have that winning feeling at the end of the game. We had that in the first fixture and we want it again, not only for our season and how big these games can be, but also as a springboard for the rest of the season. I think we saw previously we went on a four game winning streak after it, it's not just about that, it's about bragging rights so we are fully motivated for the game.

"There has been massive progress this season - I think the squad, the team spirit, the manager and everything that has come with it. There have been ups and downs but all in all in all if you look back over the last couple of years I think where we are as a squad, the connection with the fanbase, manager and players is in a really good position."

Joe also spoke about starlet Rubin Colwill, who will be hoping to make his mark at the Swansea.com Stadium this weekend.

"His performances have been really good, really mature as well. We are seeing a different side to Rubin, we know the quality he has got. He is showing really good maturity in a lot of games this season, away at QPR, Bristol City, games where he is off the left flank and in a different role.

"He is still doing his job for the team, being a threat and doing all the stuff we want him to do. I think he is having a really good season."

Watch more from the skipper and Erol Bulut on Cardiff City TV!