Ben Davies is determined to help Tottenham secure three points on his emotional return to Swansea this weekend.
Having graduated from the south Wales club’s academy, the 21-year-old defender became an important figure at the Liberty Stadium.
Davies last year helped Swansea to Capital One Cup glory and won the club’s young player of the year award for the past two seasons – talent which led to Spurs fork out a reported £10million for his services in the summer.
It was a difficult move for the Neath-born full-back but one he does not regret, despite leaving behind a club which retains such a big place in his heart.
Davies’ parents, Alun and Eryl, still have Swansea season tickets and will be torn this weekend when their son returns to his old stomping ground for the first time as a Tottenham player.
“It’s one I am really looking forward to,” the Wales international said. “It’s a big game in terms of the league table for both of us.
“It’s a game where we have to go there, take it seriously and look for the three points.
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“Yes, it will be [emotional]. It will be a strange feeling being in different colours going there, but it’s one I am looking forward to.
“It’s going to be an exciting game and hopefully I can get to start.”
It will be a strange moment for Davies when he enters the away dressing room but a “big opportunity” he is determined to make a success of.
Asked if the circumstances make him even more determined to get three points, he said: “It will.
“If we don’t pick up three points, then I’m sure a lot of my mates will be giving me quite a bit of stick.
“It’s going to be a big game. It’s one that is really important for us.
“They are a good bunch at Swansea and they have always been supportive. That’s why it is an important club to me.”
Until a few weeks ago it looked as if Davies would be restricted to a watching brief on Sunday, having started the season as back-up to Danny Rose.
However, the 21-year-old has capitalised on an injury to his rival, making four successive Premier League starts.
Davies impressed in those displays and may well get the nod on Sunday, especially as Rose started Thursday’s 1-0 defeat to Besiktas in the Europa League.
“As a defender it is tough coming in and out of the team because you want to show what you can do,” he said.
“Consistency is probably the number one thing for a full-back and, after getting a run of games, I think I am starting to show that.”
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