Martinez Praises Tate's Mentality & Attitude

Roberto Martinez has praised Alan Tate's mentality and attitude this season.

The former Manchester United trainee has come into the side at left back following Marcos Painter's injury, and he has adjusted brilliantly to his new role.

Tate had played at the start of the season, and admitted he deserve to after returning to the squad for pre-season with too much body fat.

The defender has worked hard to improve his fitness and condition though, and Martinez has been delighted with his attitude, he told BBC Sport:

'I'm delighted with Alan's attitude,'

'He is a clear example of what Swansea City Football Club is about, Alan knows the reason why he didn't start this season and that is important.

'I haven't been surprised by Alan's reaction as I know him inside out, he is a fighter and a winner who wants to make up for lost time.

'He wants to play as often as he can - and not go through the motions, he wants to affect things on the pitch.

'In football the player makes his own decisions, nothing comes easy.

'You have two options; you either fight for it and show you're a winner or move on and find the easy way out.

'We have not got any characters who find the easy way out at this football club.

'We set high standards and not just in games but in training. Strong characters select themselves and Alan is one of them.

'But it is not just this season that Alan has performed for Swansea City, he has done it season after season since coming from Manchester United.

'He creates high standards that the youngsters can look up to, he wants to win games regularly and play at the top level.

Nothing fazes him and now he must make sure he maintains his standards.'

Alan Tate has also been our stand-in captain recently which shows the belief the manager has in the 26 year-old.

Club skipper Garry Monk has missed the last few games with a back injury but he's likely to make a return on Tuesday when we travel to QPR.