Brandon Cooper relishing opportunity after whirlwind few weeks

Brandon Cooper hopes he can continue to reward Russell Martin’s faith in him after producing another fine performance in Swansea City’s 1-0 win at Bristol City.

The defender enjoyed a fine loan spell at Newport County last term, but injuries curtailed his chances of regular senior action after he was recalled to the Swans in January.

The 21-year-old suffered a pair of ankle injuries in relatively quick succession, and he has only recently returned to training following a lengthy lay-off since early May.

But, with a number of players absent, he has been thrust into the team by head coach Martin and has flourished.

He has started the last four games in a row, making his full league debut in the process, and he was outstanding in the victory at Ashton Gate.

Now, the Wales Under-21 international is eager to keep making strides.

“It’s been an interesting time because obviously I was just back from injury after having an operation, and then the style of play was something completely different too,” he said.

“But I’ve loved it, the gaffer has put a lot of faith in me and backed me to go out there and express myself, and he has backed me to keep doing that even if I have had difficult moments.

“It’s been a big change, but I am enjoying it, and I think all the other lads are too.

“We know there is still a lot of work to do, but I think the more time we get to work on things the better it’s going to get. I am just really pleased to be able to play my part.”

The win, courtesy of Joel Piroe’s first-half strike, handed the Swans their first three-point haul of the Championship season, and Cooper believes getting that milestone out of the way can allow them to kick on.

“That’s big for us to get the first win, and to do it with a performance like that and a clean sheet is great,” he added.

“It’s a result that will give everyone a lot of confidence, and that’s a massive thing for any team to have.

“Every team needs that first result to kick on from and that’s certainly what we’ll be looking to do from here.”