Planet Swans ArchivesMartinez is considering his options following the injury that looks set to have ended Marcos Painter’s season.
Painter was stretchered off after just under an hour of the Swans cruise against Southampton at the weekend and was delivered the blow that he is likely to miss six months, effectively bringing an end to what appeared to be a promising season.
On Saturday, Alan Tate came on at right back with Angel Rangel moving to left back but that is a situation that Roberto does not seem to keen on repeating against one of the division’s front runners.
Speaking to the Evening Post, Martinez said “Switching Angel across is something to consider, but he is more comfortable on the right.
“We all know how versatile Alan is too — he is a special player because he can adapt so well.
“But you need players in their natural positions if you’re going to try to win football games, especially in a division as competitive as the Championship.
“I think it would be a bit unfair to start with players out of position, and Fede is a left-back.
“He has come from a different kind of football and when he last played, at Reading, he got punished for two decisions which would have been good ones abroad.
“But he is a strong-minded player and he wants the chance to show he has learnt his lessons.”
Martinez refused to rule out a move into the loan market because of Painter’s injury but was not being drawn on the subject when he added “That’s something we will look at over the next few weeks
“But first of all I would like to see how the squad responds and adapts to the fact that Marcos is out.
“It’s a real shame for him because he was in very good form, but at least he can be proud of what he has done while concentrates on trying to get fit before the end of the season.”
