Tonight's Swansea City news as club warned over manager decision and identity of Sheehan admirer emerges

The latest news from the Swansea.com Stadium

Here's your round-up of all the latest Swansea City news for Thursday, April 23.

OTJ warns Swans against Sheehan call

Owain Tudur Jones says Swansea City should keep their options open in their managerial search, despite Alan Sheehan's impressive spell as interim boss.

Swansea have claimed 23 points in 11 games under Sheehan, who stepped in following the club's decision to part with Luke Williams back in February. Sign up to our Swansea City newsletter here.

Monday's win over Queens Park Rangers was Swansea's fifth-straight league victory, and further strengthened his case to take the job beyond the end of the season.

However, former midfielder Jones hopes his former club will cast the net as wide as possible ahead of the summer.

"I'd like to see other people interviewed as well and if he stands out above the crowd then brilliant," Jones told Radio Wales Breakfast.

"But instead of just giving it to him, even though he's done a remarkable job, I would like to see the club having a long-term plan in terms of really pinpointing who the best man will be.

"You seem to go round in circles. The trick now is going into the summer, it will be another Championship season next year, and it's about the right appointment.

"Whether Alan Sheehan is going to be the next manager - he's really staked his claim, couldn't have done any more - but the club have had time and will have time to reflect and really pinpoint and come up with a plan in terms of who they're going to interview for the job.

"Whether it's Alan Sheehan or somebody else, hopefully good times are ahead for the club."

Pompey keep tabs on Sheehan

Sheehan's situation has potentially been complicated by interest from elsewhere, with Championship rivals Portsmouth among those to have admired his work over the last few weeks.

Sources have told WalesOnline that the south coast side have been keeping tabs on the Irishman's situation, having identified him as a possible successor to John Mousinho.

However, after keeping the faith with their current boss, a decision that has seemingly paid dividends given Pompey have secured their Championship status with a game to spare, it seems they have since cooled any interest.

Nevertheless, they are by no means the only club to have taken note of the job done by Sheehan, with several other unnamed second-tier sides also believed to be keeping an eye on developments.

Sheehan's preference is to stay in SA1, but he is yet to be informed of any concrete decision from the club's hierarchy over what may happen next.

Swedish boss Kim Hellberg has also been touted as a possible contender, although sources in Sweden have played down the chances of him leaving current side Hammarby.

Martin installed as favourite for Norwich job

Meanwhile, former Swans boss Russell Martin has been installed as the early bookies' favourite to take over at Norwich City.

The Canaries parted ways with boss Johannes Hoff Thorup earlier this week, following a run of one win in 10 games, and have placed former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere in interim charge for the last two weeks of the season.

However, Martin, who made over 300 appearances for the club as a player, has now been touted as a possible replacement.

The 39-year-old has been out of work since being dismissed by Southampton back in December, but has recently admitted he's ready for a return to management.

Steve Cooper, the man Martin succeeded at the Swansea.com Stadium, is also among the names mentioned early on.

Odds in full:

Russell Martin 2/1

Will Still 5/1

Jack Wilshere 5/1

Gary O'Neil 6/1

Liam Rosenior 6/1

Steve Cooper 8/1

Sean Dyche 10/1

(Odds courtesy of BetVictor and correct at time of publishing. 18+ please gamble responsibly)

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Key makes case for defence

Josh Key says defensive discipline has been a key factor in Swansea's recent run of form, and admits the squad are a little disappointed to have racked up results so late in the season.

"One thing we've built is consistency, any high performing team has to be a consistent team. It's a shame it's come towards the end of the season,” he said after the win at Loftus Road on Easter Monday.

“But, to put a run like this together makes us happy, especially as a defender. One thing that Sheez (Alan Sheehan) has done is make the defence disciplined.

"That defence is not just about defenders necessarily, it comes from the players in front of us too. They make our jobs a lot easier, and then we can look to protect Vigs (Lawrence Vigouroux) in goal.

“It all comes together when you have a good defensive line and defensive shape, it’s easier to win games that way.”