"From what I've heard" - Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit makes claim on Swansea City manager search | OneFootball

David Prutton has given his thoughts on the managerial situation at Swansea City as interim head coach Alan Sheehan continues to impress.

Pundit David Prutton believes Alan Sheehan deserves to be considered for the permanent Swansea City job after his impressive interim spell.

Swansea parted company with head coach Luke Williams in February after a run of seven defeats in nine games left them sitting 17th in the table and just eight points clear of the relegation zone.

After having a successful seven-game stint as caretaker last season, Sheehan was handed the reigns on a temporary basis once again after Williams' exit, and it was confirmed in March that he would remain in charge of the Swans until the end of the campaign.

Swansea continued their upturn in form under Sheehan as they secured their third consecutive victory with a 1-0 win over fourth-placed Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday to move into the top half of the Championship table.

Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas claimed on Sunday that, while there are two other candidates in the frame, Sheehan "looks increasingly likely" to land the full-time job after picking up five wins and two draws from his nine games in charge.

However, there have been conflicting reports on the situation, and according to Wales Online, the Swans are yet to make a decision on whether to appoint Sheehan permanently, with several other Championship clubs believed to be keeping tabs on the 38-year-old in case he becomes available in the summer.

David Prutton issues verdict on Alan Sheehan's Swansea City future

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Prutton praised Sheehan for the turnaround he has inspired at Swansea during his interim spell, and he insisted that he should be in contention for the permanent job.

"As for Swansea, one name that I would put out there in front is Alan Sheehan given what he's doing with the side," Prutton said.

"He's been connected to the club for a long time now, and within the game, he has a very, very good reputation.

"He's very thorough and very diligent, he's still a young man himself, so he'll have that common touch with the players, allied to a steel that comes with having a career as a professional footballer across the EFL.

"I know sometimes clubs and fans may be reticent with untested and untried managers, but I know Alan is an extremely ambitious man, I know he is an extremely effective coach, and I know he cares deeply about his profession and where he is.

"He has a bit of a free hit to prove himself, but from what I've seen and from what I've heard, I think he's given it a real good go and absolutely should be in the reckoning.

"I think they need to be open-minded enough to try with a manager that knows all the players.

"I don't quite know what their financial state is.

"If you've got a load of money to spend, you can change the personnel pretty quickly and suddenly it's a different culture, but if it's using mainly the same players and getting more out of them, I think that's what Alan Sheehan is doing right now."

Swansea were sliding alarmingly down the table towards the end of Williams' tenure, so Sheehan has done an excellent job to steady the ship and get the club heading in the right direction.

Of course, it is always a risk to appoint an interim manager on a permanent basis, particularly based on results achieved in the latter part of the season when there is little to play for, but Sheehan is clearly a talented coach, and he has made an impressive impact.

The shock arrival of Real Madrid legend Luka Modric as the Swans' new co-owner could potentially influence the managerial decision, and the board may look to bring in a high-profile name to continue to boost the profile of the club.

However, as shown by Wayne Rooney's struggles in management, that approach certainly does not guarantee success, and with other Championship clubs reportedly taking an interest in Sheehan, Swansea may need to act quickly to avoid losing him.