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Tate Fighting For Place At Cardiff
Tate Fighting For Place At Cardiff
Friday, 3rd Apr 2009 07:03

Swansea defender Alan Tate is fighting hard to ensure he gets a place in the starting line up in Sunday's Derby showdown

The defender is braced to face the run of abuse from the Cardiff supporters following his part in "flaggate" at the Millennium Stadium in 2006.

Tate's brandishing of a Welsh flag bearing certain words sparked complaints and a ban on top of a police investigation as Tate - and then team mate Lee Trundle - celebrated the Swans victory over Carlisle.

But nothing would please the defender more than the chance to face their local rivals on Sunday and he told the Evening Post "I think I might get some abuse if I play, but in a perfect world I will be fit.

"The stick will not bother me. I think it comes with being a Swansea player in Cardiff and what happened a few years ago is probably going to add to it.

"That's something which has gone now, it's in the past, and I think every one of us will get some stick when we play Cardiff anyway.

"It was the same for their players when they came to us and to be fair they coped with it pretty well. I don't think it will bother any of our players going up there.

"I remember going to Brentford in the second leg of the play-off semi final.  We were 2-0 up and I was playing right back.   I was taking my time over the throw ins and their fans were throwing bottles and coins and pies at me.  Its something you find funny reall.  You have a laugh with them and hopefully we can have a laugh on Sunday.  Hopefully we'll be 2-0 up.

"It might be impossible to understand if you've never experienced it but it's a good feeling when opposition fans are giving you stick and it's something to enjoy.

"Only time will tell but it's a big game and we all want to play.  Derby games are always big no matter where they are in the world and this is a passionate one that all the lads are looking forward to.  I am sure the Cardiff players just like both sets of fans are feeling exactly the same especially because there have been so many years without these games.

"We will not be completely finished if we don't win but realistically I think that's what we need.  We will be trying to win every game we have left whatever happens but we'd have a lot of ground to make up if we drop points this weekend.  It'll be a tough game.  Cardiff are a good side who aren't where they are in the league for nothing.

"They are more experienced than us at this level, they have spent more money and they have a good manager who knows the division."

Photo: Action Images



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