Swansea City will be hoping that they can force themselves into the play-off positions when football returns later this year. 

The Swans are currently sat 11th in the Championship table, but are just three points adrift of sixth-placed Preston North End with nine games remaining in this year's campaign.

One player that has been key to their impressive season to date is Welsh defender Joe Rodon, who has made 21 appearances in all competitions for Steve Cooper's side.

Rodon's strong performances seemingly haven't gone unnoticed either, with The Sun previously reporting that both Manchester United and Manchester City were interested in landing his signature, although a move is yet to materialise.

Speaking in an interview with The Athletic, Wales boss Ryan Giggs issued high-praise for Rodon, and drew comparisons between the defender and former Manchester United legend Gary Pallister.

"Joe has grown over the last year or so. He is quick. Sometimes you don’t appreciate it.

"It was the day after a game and we gave some players running drills, box to box. He was running with someone fast and went past them, effortlessly. I thought, ‘Oh, I hadn’t seen that .’

"It made me think a little bit of Gary Pallister. You don’t think of him as quick but when he got going at his peak, he was. When Pally got into the channels, no one out-ran him. So that suits the way I want to play."

Giggs went on to state what he demands from his players in his squad, and has been impressed with Rodon's attitude so far in the senior squad.

"I want my full-backs high, so if central defenders do have to get out wide and cover those positions, they are comfortable.

"In possession, Joe shows composure and he’s a good character. I saw him giving the ball away and being unhappy with himself. I liked that. Bit intense but set standards and if he didn’t keep to them, he wasn’t happy with himself."

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The Verdict: 

He's been impressive for Swansea City this season.

Rodon has been a regular for the Swans this term, and I'm not surprised to hear Giggs speaking highly of him. Comparing him to Pallister is certainly a bold claim, but it does show that Rodon is a player with a bright future ahead of him.

If Swansea aren't to finish in the top-six this season in the Championship, then I wouldn't be surprised if other clubs were to register their interest in his services during the summer transfer window.