West Bromwich Albion have been linked with plenty of managers since Steve Bruce’s sacking on Monday, and the common theme amongst the candidates seems to be their progressive nature.

The likes of Rob Edwards and Carlos Corberan are both youthful and possess long-term projects yet lack huge amounts of experience. This is not too dissimilar to Russell Martin, who might emerge as the outstanding candidate due to his overperformance with Swansea City.

If he were to join, his brand of football could see John Swift’s true potential finally unlocked after a solid if unspectacular start to life at the Hawthorns.

At the Swans, the 36-year-old demands a possession-dominant system and will stick to his principles no matter what.

He was recently captured telling his players: “If it doesn’t work and I get sacked, at least I get sacked doing something I believe in. I don’t get sacked regretting that I have bowed on my principles.”

With Swift under his wing, he would certainly have someone who could buy into that philosophy and help translate his vision onto the pitch.

The attacking midfielder is industrious and clearly loves the ball at his feet, outlined as he has been averaging 54.7 touches per game.

When given the chance, however, he is capable of producing moments of magic. This proficiency would make him sensational for a Martin side that would maintain an even greater stranglehold on the ball than they currently boast, 57.5% per game.

The 27-year-old maestro has averaged a 7.15 SofaScore rating this season despite the terrible form of the Baggies, and it is clear that the rest of the side does not possess the devastating ability he does to benefit from such a system.

With just two goals and two assists, he has actually created six big chances this season but has been let down by his forwards.

His average pass accuracy of 81% is also indicative of someone who can play it simple and frustrate the opposition but flip the switch to outline his killer instinct when necessary.

He clearly has huge amounts of quality that he has been forced to subdue whilst at the Midlands club, as he was dubbed “super talented” by his former manager Veljko Paunovic, for whom he scored 11 goals and registered 15 assists in 45 outings.

Perhaps under Martin, where their domination of the ball would only grow, Swift can finally fulfil his potential and become a key figure to the Baggies' resurgence.