Josh Key believes Swansea City supporters “should be excited” about next season because of the progress being made under Luke Williams.

After a traumatic campaign, the Welsh side are eight points clear of the relegation zone with seven games remaining in 2023-24.

“Obviously it’s been a disappointing season,” said Swansea right-back Key.

“But I think everyone round the club is looking forward to next season.

“The way the manager gets us playing is very exciting football. Next season, with the players we have got and the players we’ll bring in, I think our fans should be excited to see how we are going to play.”

Swansea finished three points outside the Championship’s top six last season but lost their way after head coach Russell Martin departed for Southampton last summer.

The decision to appoint Michael Duff as Martin’s successor backfired, with the former Barnsley manager sacked in December after a run of one win in eight games left the Swans 18th in the table.

Assistant coach Alan Sheehan then took over on an interim basis, steadying the ship with three victories in his seven games in charge.

A protracted search for a new permanent boss – which saw top target Chris Davies turn down the job – ended when Williams took over in early January.

There was no honeymoon period for Williams, who won just won of his first seven league games, but Swansea have found some form since winning at Sunderland on 24 February.

While Swansea still have some work to do to secure second-tier status, Key says the club are looking ahead with confidence.

“It’s important that we finish the season well because we want to build towards something,” said Key, who signed from Exeter City last summer.

“We are a club who want to push back to the Premier League and that has to be the mindset of everyone.

“We want to build a style of play. It’s been really exciting trying to learn the way the gaffer wants us to play. Stick with us and I am sure we will produce at the end of this season and the start of next season.”

Key, 24, made his first start since December in Friday’s 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday having recovered from a hamstring injury which interrupted his impressive first campaign as a Swansea player.

He is likely to continue in the role against QPR in the continued absence of Kyle Naughton, while Swansea will assess Ben Cabango and Liam Walsh, who have both been sidelined by calf problems.

Rangers, who are four points worse off than Swansea in 18th place, were five points adrift of safety in mid-January but have lost only two of their last 12 league games.

“They are in good form. They will be positive and thinking they will get a result against us,” Key said.

“But we have to be confident if we can bring our best football.”