LECSINEL Jean-Francois says he was never close to a move to Swansea and claims he is ready to “fight” for his place at the County Ground.

The Advertiser understands the Town defender attracted the attentions of both the Championship side and SPL club Hibernian, but no formal offer was made so the interest came to nothing.

The 24-year-old now faces stiff competition for the centre-back slot at Town with Milan Misun and Aden Flint both recruited in the January transfer window, alongside regular first-teamers Scott Cuthbert and Andrew Frampton.

“They (Swansea) didn’t make any bid, so there was nothing to worry about,” said Jean-Francois, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

“They didn’t talk to my agent and my agent didn’t talk to me about a move.

“We conceded so many goals this season so the gaffer brought in players who are the same position as mine.

“The only thing I have to do is keep working hard in training to keep my place, and show the gaffer that I deserve to play any position he wants.

“I know it’s going to be challenging, I have to fight to keep my place because we have got quite good players in this team and so many options in the same position.

“It is always good for the team to bring in players who can make others get their performances higher.”

Meanwhile, Town boss Danny Wilson has hinted that utility man Paul Caddis could find himself deployed on the right side of midfield on a more permanent basis.

The Scot has played full-back, centre-midfield and on the right wing for Swindon since arriving from Celtic in the summer and Wilson was highly impressed by the Scot’s display on the flank in the 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth in midweek.

Caddis smashed in a goal against the Cherries and the Town boss feels the 22-year-old could contribute further in front of goal if he continues to play in an advanced position.

“I thought Paul was outstanding on Tuesday night in all aspects of his game and that’s no detriment to JP (Jon-Paul McGovern) because JP’s a different type of player,” revealed Wilson.

“We’ve assessed young Cadds from a full-back position, he gets forward very, very well and attacks from there but he’s also got goals in him.

“And we felt he’s a big contributor to our attacking prowess and certainly his assists, and we thought we’d try him a bit further up.

“The more we see him in training and the more we see what he’s capable of doing, he’ll be a very big asset to us going forward.”