Swansea goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel has allowed himself to dream of an unlikely return to the city where he enjoyed one of his personal career highlights.
German keeper Tremmel got 90 minutes and a clean sheet under his belt on Thursday as Swansea eased into the play-off round of the Europa League with a goalless draw in Malmo that secured a 4-0 aggregate win over the Swedish side.
The Welsh club's next test will see them meet Romanian cup holders Petrolul Ploiesti later this month with a place in the group stage at stake.
While many of the 34-year-old's team-mates are making their first foray into European competition thanks to last season's Capital One Cup success, Tremmel has recent experience of the Europa League from his time at Red Bull Salzburg.
During the 2010-11 season Tremmel featured as the Austrian side were eliminated in the group stage after being drawn alongside Manchester City, Juventus and Lech Poznan.
The high point of the campaign was a goalless draw in Turin, where Tremmel made a number of vital saves.
The same city will host this season's Europa League final and, while Swansea are a long way from being among the favourites to lift the trophy, Tremmel would relish the chance to go back there.
"At Salzburg we drew twice with Juventus, 1-1 at home and 0-0 in Turin and the final is there this year. I think it is a different stadium now but it would be great to go back. It's a lovely place. Italy is a great place.
"But it's a long competition - it's a long way to get there. I think the group stage lasts about three months. Then you have last 32, so there are still a lot of games to go.
"It's almost like a league - it will be 19 games. That's more than half a season. But hopefully we can go a long way in the competition."
Source: PA
