Tremmel relishing first Premier League start

Gerhard Tremmel is looking forward to his first Premier League start of the season this weekend and is hoping Swansea City can return to winning ways.

The German goalkeeper will deputise for the suspended Lukasz Fabianski in Sunday's game against Tottenham at the Liberty after the Polish international was sent off in the defeat against West Ham.

Despite an appeal, the decision was upheld meaning Tremmel will get his maiden league start of the campaign against Mauricio Pochettino's side.

"You have to be patient," said Tremmel, who has made three Capital One Cup appearances this season. "It's easier to train hard and play than it is to train hard and not play.

"But I'm at the stage of my career where I've seen many things and been in far worse situations, so I know how to deal with it.

"I was hoping for a bit of a longer run in the Capital One Cup, but playing in the league is a different story and I'm looking forward to Sunday.

"But I'm always happy when I play for Swansea because I'm so committed to this club. I love training and the people that work here, and it's a pleasure to play."

Since arriving at the Liberty Stadium in 2011, Tremmel has proved to be a more than capable deputy to the Swans' first-team squad.

Despite only making one league appearance in his first season at the club, the 2012-13 campaign proved far more fruitful as Tremmel replaced the injured Michel Vorm as the Swans went on to win the Capital One Cup and claim a number of notable scalps in the Premier League.

And after another 22 appearances in league and cup last term, the German stopper was thrust into the action once more last Sunday as Garry Monk's side went down to a 3-1 defeat against West Ham.

"We weren't happy with last week's result," he said. "But also the way we played is not what we've been used to this season.

"You never feel ready (as a substitute goalkeeper). You are sitting on the bench and haven't warmed up, and the mental side is difficult too. You can't prepare for these moments because they happen all of a sudden.

"But looking at Sunday's game, Tottenham are under pressure. I think they were looking to be in the top five of the table but have obviously had a lot of changes in both staff and players.

"We want to respond from the West Ham game and try tot get another win. Our away form isn't the best right now, so we are picking up most of our points at home.

"That is important because before the New Year I think we need as many points as possible."