Swansea City: Alan Curtis happy to continue in caretaker role

Alan Curtis played for Leeds United, Southampton and Cardiff City

Alan Curtis says he is happy to carry on as Swansea City caretaker manager "for as long as it takes".

Ex-Wales striker Curtis has been in temporary charge since Garry Monk was sacked on 9 December.

He will be in charge for the games against West Brom and Crystal Palace over the festive period and said "there's no real news" on the club's search for a new boss.

"I'm quite happy to carry on," said the former Swansea player.

"It is important that we appoint somebody sooner rather than later but the important thing is that it's the right man.

"Part of the equation would be if we were to win a couple of games, then probably the need is not so great.

"But if we lost a few more games then that pushes for a quicker decision."

Swansea are home to West Brom on Boxing Day, away to Palace on 28 December before a trip to Manchester United on 2 January.

Chairman Huw Jenkins has already held talks with former Argentina coach Marcelo Bielsa about replacing Monk.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal is the latest name to be linked with the post.

Carvalhal refused to rule himself out of running to take over at Liberty Stadium, but said his focus was on Sheffield Wednesday.

"I'm a professional and professionals don't talk about rumours," he said.

Wednesday are currently seventh in the Championship under Carvalhal, who has managed extensively in his native Portugal.

Carlos Carvalhal's Sheffield Wednesday are seventh in the Championship

"I know that Sheffield Wednesday have picked up a little bit," said Curtis.

"I know he's got a good reputation, I'm not sure if he's been linked to our job. I guess it's another name to Google."

Swansea go into the West Brom match with only one win in their last 13 Premier League games and inside the bottom three, two points from safety.

But Curtis, in his third spell as Swansea caretaker manager, is confident they can turn things around.

"We probably feel aggrieved a little bit that we are in this position," he said.

"We probably feel as if we should be, certainly a top-half side.

"When you look at the quality of the players we've got, lots of them are internationals.

"It's just been a realisation in the last couple of weeks just how good the players are, and that's why they are international footballers.

"That's why I feel really confident that we will get out of trouble."

Striker Eder remains out for the visit of the Baggies while full-back Franck Tabanou has just returned to full training after injury.

But defender Angel Rangel is expected to shake off a knock to play.