Alan Sheehan will once again be in the spotlight on Saturday as Swansea City host Middlesbrough.

The Irishman was appointed as the club's caretaker boss for a second time following the sacking of Luke Williams last month.

The Swans produced a fine display to thump promotion hopefuls Blackburn 3-0 thanks to goals from Zan Vipotnik, Myles Peart-Harris and Liam Cullen in their first match of the post-Williams era.

That was followed by a dull but gritty 0-0 draw at Preston - meaning the Swans have claimed four of the six points on offer under Sheehan while not conceding a goal.

To swiftly sum up the man, former left-back Sheehan played for 12 different clubs during his career, including Leicester, Leeds, Notts County and Luton.

He also featured for Republic of Ireland's Under-21s, although his only managerial experience has been as a caretaker with Swansea.

Ahead of the trip to Deepdale on Tuesday night, the 38-year-old confirmed he had been told by Swansea's new director of football Richard Montague that he will continue to lead the team until the March international break at the very least.

The reaction to the possibility of Sheehan being a serious contender for the vacancy has been mixed to say the least.

His admirers will point to the fact that the Swans collected 11 points from the 21 on offer during his first stint as caretaker boss - an impressive return given the immense struggles in the club's five months under Michael Duff.

He has also, particularly in his second spell, been dealt a tough hand in terms of the squad he has inherited.

READ MORE: Alan Sheehan’s Swansea City Repair Job Is Taking Shape

His detractors have been eager to highlight the 38-year-old's lack of experience in addition to his Luton links.

Sheehan spent four seasons at Kenilworth Road, helping the Hatters secure back-to-back promotions up to the Championship during his time in Bedfordshire.

It also saw him play at the club during Paul Watson's five-year spell in Luton. Watson endured a largely torrid spell at Swansea and left his role of sporting director in October. 

It came after he was fiercely criticised for his role in the club's poor transfer dealings in addition to being seen with ex-Luton boss and Cardiff City supporter Nathan Jones during Swansea's FA Cup defeat at Bournemouth last season. A 'Watson Out' banner was also displayed as Swansea drew 2-2 with Coventry during Sheehan's first stint as interim boss.

Watson later apologised but was the recipient of fierce criticism at a fans' forum, and he was known to be a firm ally of Sheehan's during his time at the Swansea.com Stadium.

It has left a sour taste with many regarding Sheehan's involvement in behind-the-scenes matters, although, the match-going fans have fully backed the Irishman in both home and away stadiums given his ability to admirably steer the Swansea ship through choppy waters not once, but twice.

READ MORE: Swansea City Sack Luke Williams As Club Crisis Deepens

Following a run of five successive league defeats, Middlesbrough got their play-off push back on track with victories over Stoke and Derby.

But after the morale-boosting triumph against Blackburn in late February, Sheehan will hope to add to the feelgood factor at the Swansea.com Stadium with another scalp on home soil against a side chasing promotion into the Premier League.

There was no lack of desire or effort at Preston, but the lack of quality - particularly having had 10 days without a game to prepare - was evident.

And the key question remains. Is Sheehan the right fit beyond this month?

Would the man who was part of the staff under Duff and Williams - who both ultimately failed - be a serious long-term contender if not already at the club? Is fresh leadership needed?

Cameron Toshack - who at least had the huge benefit of having led the club's youth side, many of which progressed into the senior team - ultimately moved on after being overlooked for the first team role a few years ago.

Even if he's not most people's cup of tea, Sheehan at the very least deserves credit for grinding our results in tough times.

One thing is for certain, the next appointment is crucial for chairman and co-owner Andy Coleman given how the club has regressed since his arrival in May 2023.

The club finished the 2022-23 season just three points outside the play-off places but have twice flirted with relegation since - with both managers losing their jobs.

Montague will provide Coleman with vital assistance given his contacts in the game, but the American simply must get this decision correct.