Bessone reveals Swans satisfaction

UNLIKELY hero Fede Bessone fired his first Swansea City goal and then revealed he is finally settled in South Wales.

Bessone endured a tough introduction to British football as the Argentinian left-back struggled to cope following a switch from the Spanish lower divisions.

Injuries, loss of form and tough competition for the left-back spot saw Bessone play just 16 times under Roberto Martinez last season, but he has already featured in almost half of that under Paulo Sousa.

And he has given Sousa a difficult decision to make at left-back, keeping Marcos Painter out of the team, while Alan Tate has moved inside to cover Garry Monk's absence.

His 81st-minute strike proved the difference on Friday night as Swansea sunk Derby 1-0 at the Liberty Stadium.

While chances went begging throughout the game, up popped Bessone as he latched onto substitute Joe Allen's sublime through ball before firing in off the near post.

Swansea's saviour wouldn't take too much credit for his goal — his first since scoring for Espanyol B three years ago — but admitted it is evidence he has finally settledl.

"It was good play from the whole team and Joe put in the last pass," said Bessone, who hobbled off after the final whistle after picking up a knock on his calf.

"I was thinking of crossing for Craig Beattie or Darren Pratley, but they weren't there. I thought to myself 'just shoot', and I did. I didn't really know what to do when the ball went in. It was a great feeling.

"I have to say I feel stronger this season. Last year was difficult for me because it was a new life, a different country and I didn't speak English. I went home last summer and I knew what I needed to do. I wanted to improve and get into the team.

"The gaffer has given me a chance this season and I think I have shown an improvement.

"I am happy, but I am a realist as well. We have a big squad and you never know if you are going to play or not — and that is a good thing for the team."

Bessone's goal ensured Swansea rose to their highest position 1983, with Sousa's side showing their intent as potential play-off candidates.

While the pundits are now forced to talk about the division's form side, Bessone insists talk of pushing for the play-offs is still premature.

"Our objective is to stay in the Championship and then in time we can think about the play-offs," said Bessone.

"We have to keep working hard. If we do that we can win a lot more games.

"In the Championship there are a lot of strong teams, and some people may find it strange that we are in such a good position.

"But we have a strong squad with a good manager, so we will wait and see.

"If we are in the top three with five games to go then we can talk about it then."

chris.barney@swwmedia.co.uk