91Èȱ¬

Swansea City's Gerhard Tremmel admits it is "hard" being the second choice goalkeeper at the Premier League club.

The 36-year-old German made his first league appearance for the Swans this season as a substitute in last weekend's 3-1 defeat by West Ham.

It followed Polish keeper Lukasz Fabianski's sending off and Tremmel says playing understudy to the Pole has been tough.

"There are times when it gets frustrating," said Tremmel.

"Of course it's hard. There's no doubt about that. As a player you want to play.

"But that's football and I've been in even worse situations."

Swansea City's appeal against Fabianski's red card failed.

Referee Chris Foy sent him off the 68th minute against the Hammers for a professional foul on Diafra Sakho.

Television replays suggested the Senegal international handled the ball before being fouled by Fabianski.

"I don't know if it was a foul or not," said Tremmel.

"I can't say. I was too far away."

Tremmel is in line to make his first top flight start of 2014-15 on Sunday against Tottenham.

When asked if he would be ready if called upon, he said: "Of course. That's what we train for week in week out.

"You always want to play against the big teams because you want to compete with the best players."

Former Wales and Swansea City winger Leighton James told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Wales Sport that Tremmel is a capable replacement for Fabianski.

"It's always a blow when your first choice is out, but we've got a very capable, competent number two in Gerhard," said James.