Planet Swans ArchivesAlan Tate has insisted he’s ready to be relied upon as Swansea City brace themselves for a defensive dilemma following Neil Taylor’s horror injury and Chico Flores suspension.
Speaking to the Western Mail Tate says he is ready if selected and feels for Neil Taylor.
“The game against Sunderland was almost a bit of an irrelevance after what happened,” said Tate following the 2-2 draw that left Swansea second in the table after three games heading into the international break. “I know what he’s going through and I’ll make sure I give him my support, although not just yet. I’ve been there and he’ll not want to see anyone for the first few days, he’ll be very down mentally and emotionally as he tries to get his head around it so I’ll let him try and chill out with his family and let them be the ones who are there for him.
“It’s terrible; Neil has been doing so well but it doesn’t matter how high you are as with Tayls with Team GB or if you’re a youth player, there’s never a good time.
“We’ll wish him the best but we have to move on without him for a bit.
“Whether it means there’s an opportunity for me, I don’t know – but I said I’d always want to be here to fight for my place. Hopefully the manager will see that if he chooses me to fill in and if I play well I expect to stay there, it’s a simple as that.”
