Marcos Painter says he is getting gradually stronger as he fights his way back to full fitness

The Swansea City defender was out of the game for the best part of 12 months following his cruciate ligament injury and his chances in the first team have been few and far between since his return.

And the excellent form of Fede Bessone will be another obstacle he has to overcome if he wants his place back in the team although for now that is the least of Painter's worries.

"I feel myself gradually getting sharper but I know that I've still got a way to go," said Painter via the club's official website

"But with a run of games, be it with the first-team or reserves, you start to get back in the swing of things.

"I went through a phase at the start of the season when I felt really good in the first few games I played, notably the Watford game when I felt really fresh, but then it seemed to take its toll all at once.

"I played a few games here and there and I didn't feel 100 per cent, and kept having to remind myself that the time I've missed a lot of football in the last 12 months.

"Since I've played a few reserve games it's not only helping me physically but mentally aswell.

"So I'm gradually getting my confidence back and it's doing me good.

"I'm still in and around the first-team on a daily basis, I'm training with them as normal but in order to get games, which I still need, I've been turning out for the reserves for which I'm grateful considering the amount of football I've missed."

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