Bittersweet day for Devera (From Swindon Advertiser)

SWINDON TOWN: Bittersweet day for Devera

6:00am Monday 10th December 2012 in STFC News By Andy Warren

JOE Devera was a proud man as he captained Swindon Town for the first time, but was frustrated not to be able to lead his side to all three points.

In the absence of suspended regular skipper Alan McCormack as well as stand-ins Tommy Miller and Simon Ferry, boss Paolo Di Canio opted to hand the armband to Devera for the game against the side second in League One.

The former Barnet man performed well at left-back and also had a good diving header well saved by Gary Woods, but was frustrated his side couldn’t find a winner on what was a proud day for him personally.

“It was a good moment for me to captain Swindon because it is a big club,” he said.

“I found out half an hour before the game and I was really pleased, because I didn’t know I was going to do it.

“I captained Barnet for half a season, so I just treated it as a normal game.

“In some respects a felt a bit more responsibility, but I didn’t let that get into my head at all.

“They only got into our box three times and the rest of the time we were in their half, so it was pretty frustrating.”

Devera is happy to play wherever Di Canio needs him too despite preferring a centre-back spot, but is staying on his toes and not letting himself feel as if he has cemented a first-team spot just yet.

“I am just happy to be playing, and although I am happy to be in the team it is not my preferred position,” he said.

“I had a good five game run at centre half and it was a good run, but I wouldn’t say I have cemented my spot yet.

“I have worked hard and got myself playing again so I want to keep it.

“You need to get your head down and keep working and not let things get to you.”