Tate: “I’ve Grown Up Over Time”

The Swansea City utility man was back in the starting line up yesterday in the 1-1 draw at Blackpool having sat and watched injuries to three left backs already this season.

Tate found himself in that position yesterday but has already played in the goalkeeping berth this season as well – he kept a clean sheet against QPR at the Liberty.

But he inisists that he does not get too frustrated by spells on the sidelines and is happy to sit back and wait for this chance when it comes along.

Speaking to Wales on Sunday, Tate said “It wasn’t so long ago that if I wasn’t in the side, like I haven’t been, then I would be climbing up the walls.

“But I’ve grown up. I’ve got 200-odd more appearances than I had back then and a lot changes.

“I’ve said before that back then, when I wasn’t playing under Kenny Jackett, I was trying to build a career – now I’m in the middle of it and you begin to realise not to get fazed by these kind of things and understand you will only get stronger going through these times.

“I’ve been here before, but I’ve grown up now and I’ve come a long way from joining here as a kid.

“I’m different and the club is completely different. Back then you could see there was a chance of the club taking off and now we’re in the middle of that happening.

“And that’s another reason why I don’t get upset – I can see the bigger picture of what we’re building and I want to be part of it.

“I’m one of the senior lads now which seems strange to say.

“It doesn’t seem that long ago that me and Leon Britton first came and, like I said, it was a very different place then.

“So much has changed, and I include myself in that because I may be only 26, but I’ve got a lot of appearances and experience under my belt now. And going through the thick and thin has probably helped me grow up quicker.

“I knew it was down to me why I didn’t start the season and that’s something I have to live with.

“I’ve been there before when I’ve been out of the side, but come back in and finished strongly so it doesn’t frustrate me now.

“When Kenny came in and I wasn’t playing at first I was very quick to have a go at him and say I wanted to leave, or do this, do that and that I wasn’t getting a chance.

“But, like I say, this is my fault and I can accept it if it’s down to me.

“No-one wants to be out of the side – but I’m never that far away.

“And I know now it’s about the work you put in and being ready for whenever or however that chance comes. Hopefully, this is it for me now.”