Brandon Cooper targets Championship bow after new deal

Brandon Cooper is targeting a maiden Championship appearance after extending his stay with Swansea City for a further year.

The centre-half, who has been with the Swans since he was six years old, signed a one-year contract extension last week that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2021.

Cooper was the second player in a week to commit his future to the club, after Yan Dhanda penned a new two-year deal.

The 19-year-old, who made his first-team debut against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup in August 2018, has been a regular feature for the under-23s in recent seasons; making 16 appearances this term in all competitions.

His solid displays in the heart of defence have led to him being invited to train with the first team on a consistent basis, and he has been regularly involved with the matchday squad in recent weeks – notably making the bench for the 1-0 win at Luton.

And the Bridgend-born defender hopes it is only a matter of time before he makes his bow in the Championship.

“I’m delighted to extend my time here,” he said.

“I’ve been with the club since I was six, so to add an extra year to that is good.

“My current deal was beginning to run down, so the additional year gives me a bit of security.

“I look forward to working hard and, hopefully, getting more in the future.

“I want to play for the first team; that’s my ultimate dream.

“The aim is to get my first Championship appearance under my belt. Once I hit that, I’ll be looking to hit my next goal and so on.

“I’m in and around the first team pretty much all the time now. 

“I’ve been training with them all season and that’s been a really good experience.

“I was on the bench at Luton and have been the 19th man on a few occasions. I’m learning every time and trying to take everything in my stride.”