Andrea Orlandi is intent on keeping his place in central midfield despite the return of Swansea's general first choice

Ferrie Bodde and Joe Allen will soon be joined by Darren Pratley in returning from injury giving Paulo Sousa a rare chance to select from a host of players who he can fit into his central midfield.

And Orlandi - thrust into central midfield this season - remains intent on holding his place in the starting line up as he told the Western Mail "If I play well, I will keep my shirt

“If I don’t, then there are players waiting to come in. But that pressure has always been there.

“It keeps you on your toes and I love it. I’m not going to worry about it

“The way I see it, I’m not competing against my team-mates; I’m competing against other teams.

“After two seasons without playing much, it’s been hard,” he admitted. “In pre-season, the manager talked to me about moving in from the wing.

“I actually played in a similar position behind the strikers when I was on loan at Barcelona.

“I’ve been struggling a little bit physically – central midfield is more physical in Britain – but now I’m getting used to it and enjoying it.

“But it wouldn’t matter if I had to go back to the wing, or even play left-back, I would play.

“Every game I play, I’m playing better, so I’m very happy.

“We’re making opportunities and the goals will come,” said Orlandi, whose only goal for the Swans came against Reading last January.

“But it is in your mind when you’re out there playing that we haven’t scored enough.

“For me, the next move is to try and score goals. That’s one thing I’m not doing, but I know I can.

“I have a good left foot and need to shoot more. When I have the chance, I need more composure.

“Even when I haven’t been playing, the Swansea fans have been fantastic with me,” he said. “I want to give them something back. I’m doing all I can, but I know I can give them more.”

Photo: Action Images

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