Swansea’s Carroll prepares to battle former club Spurs

Swansea City’s Tom Carroll admits it will be strange facing former club Tottenham Hotspur for the first time since he left White Hart Lane in mid-January.

But Carroll is fully focussed on gaining an invaluable three points for Swans at the Liberty Stadium, and won’t let the previous 16 years of involvement with Spurs stand in his way.

The midfielder will hope to guide his new club to their first-ever victory over Spurs in the Premier League on Wednesday night as they look to get more breathing space between themselves at 18th-placed Hull City.

And Carroll is confident he can put aside his personal affinity for the White Hart Lane outfit, despite having originally joined the club as a youngster.

(Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

“It will be strange playing against Spurs as I had been there since I was eight,” said Carroll, who played 56 games for the club during his time in North London.

“I obviously know the players and staff very well. I’m still in a WhatsApp group among the players.

“But on Wednesday all that matters is getting three points. A win would be a big boost, though we’re well aware how tough it will be.

“There is a lot of pressure on us but any pressure is good pressure. If there is no pressure, then what are you playing for?

“We are at home and our fans will be right behind us. When teams come here they know they are in for a tough time.”