Cooper expects twists and turns in play-off run-in

15th July
First team
Nottingham Forest (A) Steve Cooper

Steve Cooper expects there to be further twists and turns in the final stages of the Championship play-off race, and insists Swansea City will not give up on their promotion dreams.

Having been cruelly denied a point against Leeds, the Swans led twice against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground as they showed no hangover from that disappointment.

But a brace of long-range strikes from Sammy Ameobi pegged them back and meant they left the City Ground with one point – rather than three – to show for their efforts.

It leaves the Swans three points off the top six with games against Bristol City and Reading to come.

The degree of difficulty may have increased at face value, and Cooper admits his side are likely to need all six points available to them to have any chance.

But the unpredictable nature of the Championship means he believes the plot may yet have a final twist.

“We wanted the three points and it would have been brilliant for us, but it still looks as if it is going to the wire,” said the Swans boss.

“All we can do is get ready for the next game and do everything we can to get the three points.

Nottingham Forest (A) Celebration

“Motivation will not be a problem, it never is with these players. If they had felt sorry for themselves after Leeds, they would not have started this game and committed to it like they did tonight.

“I know there have been ups and downs in results and performances over the season, but they are a committed bunch, and people can be proud of them.

“But we have to keep trying to improve the best we can.

“We have got to concentrate on trying to get six points. The way this season has gone I don’t think it will be as straightforward as everybody winning their games and it finishing as it is.

“What we have to do is make sure we get the points and try and sneak in, if we can.

“We’re not out of it, we are not giving up.

“If we win and results go our way at the weekend then we certainly won’t be out of it.”