Alan Tate will step into the 'cursed' left back spot at Blackpool tomorrow not worried that he may be next

The Swansea City vice captain will fill in at left back most likely for the next three games as the Swans come to terms with the loss of Marocs Painer, Fede Bessone and Stephen O'Hallorhan.

With the left back spot up for grabs according to Roberto Martinez it will be Tate who steps into the action again unconcerned that some are labelling the left back position as cursed.

Painter and O'Hallorhan are unlikely to feature again this season while Bessone is a few weeks away from fitness giving Tate his first chance of the season for a run in the team.   And, having played in goal, right back and now left back this season he is well aware that he is the utility man of the squad.

"The injuries don't worry me at all," said Tate in tonight's Evening Post. "I did fracture my kneecap last season and I was out for two and a half months. But, touch wood, the curse won't strike me.

"I will play wherever I can. Over the past few years I've played almost everywhere — from keeper to right-wing.

"Some people say it must be frustrating not playing, but it's not been frustrating because it was my own fault. I had my highest body fat for years in the summer — I have learned from the reasons behind that.

"I was fit when I came back from the summer, but my body fat was up. That has been put right, though.

"We did a fitness session on Wednesday and the boys were really fit. It was really intense.

"It is a different fitness now. Kenny (Jackett) was more about running without the ball but the gaffer is more football-orientated."

Photo: Action Images

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