With the chairman’s shortlist now down to the three names, Swindon Town midfielder Craig Easton has given his backing to Martin Ling for the vacant manager’s job.

Ex-Cheltenham boss John Ward and former Bristol Rovers manager Ian Holloway are the bookies’ favourites for the hot-seat.

But Easton, who played under the Robins legend at Leyton Orient, says there would be no better man for the job than Ling.

“I think he’s a great manager and one of the best I’ve played under in my career,” he said.

“If they decided to appoint him it would be a great thing for Swindon Town. I know from working with him at Orient how much he enjoyed his time here.”

Ling says he is yet to be contacted, but that he is in the same place as he was when Town appointed Maurice Malpas in January if they want to talk to him.

“A year ago there was a lot written about the situation and nothing came of it,” said Ling.

“There’s been no approach to me or the football club. Swindon know where I am.”

Current Town caretaker boss David Byrne has not given up hope of securing the job on a full-time basis, despite revealing he has not been invited for a final interview next week.

“I’ve only lost one game in my last 11 as caretaker manager and that was last week at Walsall,” said Byrne.

“I’m totally confident in my ability and I believe I would help us finish higher than we did last season.”

Meanwhile, Byrne says he will restore Jerel Ifil and Anthony McNamee to the starting line-up for Saturday’s home clash with Carlisle United.

“Jerel’s confidence is low but he’s one of our most experienced defenders,” he said.

Byrne will also hand 19-year-old left-back Callum Kennedy his full league debut, in place of the suspended Michael Timlin.