DWIGHT Tiendalli is eyeing a long-term stay at Swansea City after getting his big break in the Premier League.
The Dutch full-back, signed as a free agent in September, made his first top-flight start at Spurs last Sunday, a fortnight after coming on against Arsenal.
Tiendalli has had to be patient as he waited for his first taste of English football's top tier.
The Ajax youth product joined as cover for Neil Taylor, who suffered a serious ankle injury that is likely to rule him out for the campaign.
But the 27-year-old from the tiny South American country of Suriname has found first-team opportunities hard to come by.
Aside from his two recent league appearances, Tiendalli, whose short term contract expires in the summer, has had to be content with Capital One Cup action.
But now he's had a taste of English football's highest level, the former FC Twente player is more determined than ever to stick around in South Wales.
"I want to stay, but it's not on me. I have to perform when I get an opportunity and then we'll see what happens," he said.
"That's my focus.
"For me, no performance is okay, every one could be better.
"I think it's too early to talk about the future, I've only been here for two or three months.
"If someone's out, I have to do a job and then it's up to the trainer and other people to decide what happens."
Tiendalli's impressive showing against Middlesbrough helped Swansea into the league cup semi-finals last Wednesday.
And a calf injury to Angel Rangel offered him another opportunity against Andre Villas-Boas's side two days ago.
Tiendalli again took his chance in Tottenham, producing a display that combined assured defending with attacking threat.
Fond of a tackle, he dispossessed Emmanuel Adebayor with one crunching challenge and also supported the front three with overlapping runs out wide. Though signed to bolster the squad following the loss of a left-back, Tiendalli has featured on the right in the last two games.
His route to the first team down the other defensive flank has been blocked by the impressive form of teenager Ben Davies.
Few thought the youth team graduate would feature as frequently as he has, even after Taylor's injury.
Davies has adapted superbly to life at the top level, growing in stature and confidence with each passing game.
He has played every Premier League minute since Taylor suffered a dislocation and triple fracture in a 2-2 draw with Sunderland.
Rangel has also produced a string of sparkling performances this season.
Swansea's Spanish full-back recently admitted he was in his best form since joining the club more than five years ago.
Always a threat going forward, Rangel's attacking talents have been further showcased by Laudrup's encouragement to push on this season.
With his two main positional rivals making such strides, Tiendalli has usually had to be content with a place on the bench.
"Frustration is not the right word," he said.
"The team are doing well so I have to wait and perform in the minutes that I play.
"That's what I'll try to do.
"Swansea are a good club, a family club, everybody helps each other.
"We have a great squad, great lads and a nice mix.
"Everyone is doing well. If one player is injured someone else comes in and does a job."
Tiendalli may get another start on Sunday when Manchester United visit the Liberty.
Rangel's injury will be assessed this week before Laudrup decides on his line-up to face Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
Pablo Hernandez is also bidding to recover from a thigh strain, while Michu has been given the all-clear by medical staff after being laid out by a collision with Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris late on in Sunday's game.
Tiendalli's versatility played a key part in Laudrup's decision to offer him the chance to end a three-month sabbatical in South Wales.
He had been without a club, having left Twente last June after failing to agree terms on a new contract.
The former Dutch Under-21 international spent two years with the club managed by Steve McClaren, making 47 Eredivisie appearances.
After coming through the famous Ajax academy, Tiendalli made his senior debut for Utrecht where he was a team-mate of Michel Vorm's
He went on to play for Feyenoord and had a loan spell at Sparta Rotterdam before moving to Twente.
"Swansea are the best team I've played in. We have a great mix of players — Spanish, English, Dutch and local lads. It fits together," he added.
"If you don't get in the 11 you have to train hard and then perform in the minutes you have.
"That keeps all the lads sharp.
"Everybody sitting on the bench wants to play, and of course I want to play Premier League games.
"The Premier League is the best competition in the world in my opinion."
