Tate joined Swansea from Manchester United, initially in 2002

Swansea defender Alan Tate says it is his own fault that he is not in Roberto Martinez's first team.

The 26-year-old made his Championship debut in Tuesday's 0-0 draw with QPR as an emergency substitute goalkeeper when Dorus de Vries was stretchered off.

And he admits his summer break cost him starting a league game this season.

"I did things over the summer that I shouldn't have, probably two holidays I shouldn't have gone on, but you live and learn," said Tate.

"I know it's my own fault why I haven't started this season.

"I came back pre-season with a little too much body fat which was leaving me behind the rest of the lads.

"I've got no-one else to blame and I'm big enough to accept that."

Tate joined the Swans in 2002, initially on loan, before joining permanently in 2004.

He had spells last season as captain of the side in the absence of skipper Garry Monk.

And he admits the way he has reacted to not being in the team this season is a lot better than when he was out of it a few years ago.

"I've grown up since then," said Tate.

"Then I was probably trying to build a career for myself and I was narrow-minded back then.

"Now I'm 26 and have played 200-odd times for the club.

"It's not now that I'm trying to build a career, I'm trying to keep my career here."

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