Marcos Painter joined Swansea City in January 2007 after an initial loan spell

Marcos Painter says he will use his loan spell at Brighton to help win his place back in Swansea's first team.

The 23-year-old defender has joined the Seagulls until the end of the season as they look to avoid the drop from League One.

Painter has struggled for a first team place at Swansea since recovering from a cruciate knee ligament injury he suffered last season.

"I'm a Swansea City player and I want it to remain that way," he said.

"I'm not ready to call time on my stay here just yet.

"I want to use the loan spell to help Brighton and help myself progress with Swansea City.

"To do that I know I need to start playing regularly again. Since the injury I haven't been able to put a run of games together, even though I am now fully recovered."

Painter has been unable to oust Fede Bessone in the left-back position after the Argentine has enjoyed a more positive run under new Swans boss Paulo Sousa.

So the former Birmingham defender will hope for better luck under new Brighton boss Gus Poyet - who was interviewed for the Swans job in the summer.

606: DEBATE Solid and honest defender that had added good crossing to his arsenal before the injury. Decent in the air and a good tackler - should do well for you ChrisOrmie

"I'm fully committed to the challenge and I really want to do a good job there," added Painter.

"The last time I played at Brighton was when Swansea lifted the League One trophy in 2008 - so that must be a good omen.''

Poyet has wanted to bolster his squad since taking charge at the Withdean in November and Painter is his third signing in the January window after extending the loan spell of Arsenal defender Gavin Hoyte, while winger Seb Carole has re-signed on a week-to-week basis.

"Marcos is a good signing for us and I am looking forward to working with him," said Poyet.

"He is left-footed, which is good because we don't have too many in the side. He also gives us options because he can play at left-back and in the centre.

"He knows the division having won promotion with Swansea, and his arrival gives us good competition for places."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version