Dobbie Hopes For Second Chance In Premier League

Stephen Dobbie hopes Brendan Rodgers' departure and Michael Laudrup's arrival at Swansea City is a blessing in disguise for him as he hopes for a bigger involvement in 2012-2013.

The 29 year-old felt he was 'isolated' last season under now Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers and it was almost certain that he would have been sold to a Championship club if he had stayed, with Blackpool keen to buy him.

However, his fortunes could be better now with Michael Laudrup at the helm, as the new Swans boss promises he'll give every player a chance to prove themselves.

Dobbie scored a hatrick in Saturday's local 5-0 friendly win at Port Talbot, and while it was against non-league opposition, and two of the three goals he scored were from the penalty spot, he certainly has given Laudrup something to think about ahead of the new campaign which kicks off on August 18th at QPR.

Rodgers converted Dobbie into an attacking midfielder, playing just behind the lone striker, as he didn't suit the latter position that was forever featured in the former manager's formation. The Scot played 'in the hole' superbly in the Championship Play-Off winning campaign two years ago, particularly towards the end of the season to help his team on their way to promotion.

However, the following campaign he struggled though, and after a few performances where he showed difficulty in keeping up with the speed of the Premier League, and losing possession far too often, he was left to play in the Reserves, and was pretty much forgotten about until a loan move to Blackpool.

Dobbie told of his frustrations last season:

'Personally I didn't think I got a fair crack last season so I've come back, worked really hard in pre-season and I want to show the new manager what I can do,'

'The season we got promoted to the Premier League I thought I was given a fair crack and I showed the fans what I can do.

'Then I kind of got isolated last year. But I've come back fit and hungry to show the manager I deserve a part in this team.'

Dobbie hopes to stay at the club and prove he can still be a quality asset at Premier League level, despite rumours linking him with a move to a number of Championship clubs. He added:

'I've seen a lot of speculation (about a transfer) in the papers but I've still got another year here at Swansea and when Brendan moved on my main objective was to come back and make sure I was ready for this pre-season, whoever the manager was that came in.

'It's all about showing I can play in this team and in this league because I really believe in myself that I can.

'The team was doing really well last season and he (Rodgers) played a number of players in my position so I'm not one to grumble, if the team is playing well fair enough.

'The whole point of playing football is to get to the highest league

''I did that with Swansea and I didn't think I got a fair crack last season, but this year I am making sure I am fit and ready to show I can play in this team.'

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