Swansea midfielder Mark Gower is eyeing a Premier League debut against old rivals Arsenal at Emirates Stadium this weekend.
Out-of-favour Swans midfielder hoping Prem bow comes at Arsenal
Swansea midfielder Mark Gower is eyeing a Premier League debut against old rivals Arsenal at Emirates Stadium this weekend.
The 32-year-old was a youth product at the Gunners' North London rivals Tottenham but departed White Hart Lane without appearing in the top-flight.
Since then, Gower has spent time at Motherwell, Barnet and Southend before eventually joining the Swans in 2008 and helping them to promotion last term.
He is yet to feature in the league this season after being forced to settle for a spot on the bench, but hopes that can change when the Welsh side visit the Emirates on Saturday.
Chance
"Every weekend in the Premier League is massive, Arsenal's no different and I just want to play," Gower told the
South Wales Evening Post.
"That would be a great match to get a chance. I played a couple of times in the League Cup for Spurs, but I've never actually played in the Premier League before."
The Gunners are likely to still be sore from their 8-2 thumping at the hands of Manchester United when they host the Swans.
But manager Arsene Wenger brought in five new signings on transfer deadline day, including highly-rated Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta, and Gower is by no means expecting an easy ride.
"Arsenal are a great side. They've come in for a bit of criticism, but the manager's done a great job there," said Gower.
"They'll be stronger than they were against Manchester United so it will be a tough game.
"There have been worse times to go there - they may not be at their strongest at the moment - but they're a top side in the Premier League."
Competition
Gower is determined to force his way back into the first-team despite added competition for places at Swansea.
"In the Premier League we need a big squad so there are going to be some disappointed players," he added.
"I'm a bit disappointed to find myself down the pecking order, but I'll keep working hard.
"It's up to me to change his mind, to keep working hard and hopefully I'll get there."
