'Move will lift Welsh hopes'
The former Wigan and Sheffield United attacker has arrived at the Liberty Stadium in search of regular club football after playing only a bit part at Bramall Lane this season.
And he also hopes cementing a starting spot at Swansea will improve his Wales chances, after playing just four minutes of his country's last four internationals.
"I know John Toshack watches Swansea and Cardiff games and the Welsh lads playing for these clubs have got more chance because he's got first-hand knowledge of what's going on," said the 21-year-old.
"First of all I need to play for Swansea. John Toshack has said if you're playing regularly you have a good chance of playing for the national squad — so fingers crossed."
But Cotterill is under no illusions as to the challenge he faces in breaking into a Swansea side who currently sit fourth in the Championship after Friday night's victory over Derby.
"Everyone played really well the other night so it's not going to be easy to come in and take a place," he said.
"I have to get in on merit, show my worth to the team and hopefully I can do that."
One thing the Cardiff-born player will hope to add is goals — Swansea have netted just 15 in 17 league games this season.
"I hope I can score goals, but I know Nath (Nathan Dyer) and Beatts (Craig Beattie) and a few other lads in the squad think they can score goals as well," said Cotterill.
"I've trained with Beatts and I've seen him finish so I'm sure he can get a few more goals, and hopefully I can get some along the way."
On his capital connection, he added: "I think some Cardiff fans may have something to say about that, but I never played for Cardiff so it's not an issue."
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