CHRIS Coleman believes Swansea City's ability to cope with the stress of spring will dictate whether they reach the Championship play-offs.

Coleman, who is originally from Mayhill and played more than 200 games for the Swans, is delighted to see the club he supports doing so well.

But the former Wales star, who brings his Coventry side to the Liberty this evening, admits he doesn't know if Swansea will last the pace in the race for the top six.

"I think it will depend on Paulo Sousa's squad size and, when it comes to the crunch, it is a question of how many of their players have experienced that pressure of trying to stay in the play-offs when it comes to March," Coleman said.

"Sheffield United are putting on a surge and, if they get in there, they will benefit from the experience they had last year.

"Swansea have never been there in this league and with all due respect, we are not talking about getting promotion from the league below to this one.

"We are talking about getting to the promised land — the big one — so it will be interesting to see who can handle it come March and April."

Coventry are currently 15th in the second tier, with Coleman already talking about what they might achieve next season.

And the Sky Blues boss has hailed Sousa's work at Swansea after becoming friendly with the Portuguese during his brief spell in charge of Queens Park Rangers.

"Swansea are run in the right way from top to bottom," Coleman added.

"They have got some good players. I know Paulo, who's a really a good man, and they play lovely football.

"I got to know him a bit when he was at QPR because (ex-Coventry assistant) Steve Kean speaks Portuguese, so we had a bit of banter with him.

"When he went to Swansea I had a little chat with him because it is my home town, and he loves it there.

"He is a good manager and a football man who you have got to respect simply for what he achieved as a player.

"He's doing really well as a manager.

"I don't think he was given a fair crack of the whip at QPR but he has gone to Swansea and he is doing tremendous things."

gareth vincent