Monk Frustrated With Lack Of Games At Swansea

Swansea City skipper Garry Monk says he's been frustrated due to a lack of first team opportunities this season in the Premier League.

The defender, who has captained the club at every level in English football from League 2, says he has to set an example to the rest of the squad despite his frustration over a lack of games.

Monk spoke about the amazing spirit within the group of players, he told the Official Site:

'It's hard to take, of course, because it's been a long time since I've been at this level and I want to play in every single game,'

'At the start of the season my foot wasn't right and I stepped in when needed. Maybe when the gaffer dropped me it was the right time to rest my foot.

'For a number of weeks I've been fighting fight and ready to help the team, so it has been frustrating.

'But I have a lot of love for this club and respect for the people at this club.

'There's no point in sulking - it won't help the team or yourself - as it can filter through. As frustrated as I am with not playing, I have to make sure that I am a good example to everyone.'

Monk also talked about the spirit amongst the group of players, and why it is so 'unique':

'Since I've come here, I don't remember having a bad egg at the club.

'The spirit here is unique. If someone comes in that isn't quite on the same level then they need to adapt to our spirit.

'They can be surprised by that because I've been involved in other clubs that have nowhere near the same level of spirit. We are close-knit - here in Swansea everyone lives around you and you see and talk to people who love the club.

'If someone came in and had a different attitude towards everything then I don't think the squad would allow it. That player would be under pressure from the start to fall in line with everyone else.

'If it was a big star that had been in the Premier League for the last ten years then he wouldn't be allowed to get away with being a big-time Charlie.'

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.