Gordon Strachan reign was tough - Marvin Emnes

Emnes was Gareth Southgate's first signing as Middlesbrough boss

Winger Marvin Emnes has admitted that he found Gordon Strachan's reign as Middlesbrough manager tough.

Emnes, 22, failed to impress the former Boro boss, who told him in August that he would not be needed in his squad.

"We had the new manager [Strachan] and things did not go well with him and me, and that is why I didn't play," Emnes told BBC Tees.

"He was the manager and his choice was to put some other players in, and I had to deal with that."

He added: "It's not nice to play with the reserves every day, you want to play with first team and show what you can do."

After being told he was not part of Strachan's plans, Emnes signed a month's loan deal at Swansea where he impressed manager Brendan Rodgers, scoring twice in four games, including the winner against south Wales rivals Cardiff.

"I really enjoyed my time there and I was happy there," Emnes continued.

"I had the chance to play and I had the chance to score some goals and I did that. It's always good to play games and enjoy your time and now I'm back here I have my chance here."

Of his goal against the Bluebirds, the former Sparta Rotterdam player added: "It meant a lot for me and for the fans, it's always nice to be a hero."