Cooper happy as Ben Cabango breaks Swansea City duck

Steve Cooper could not hide his happiness for Ben Cabango after the young centre-half netted his first Swansea City goal in victory at Birmingham.

The 20-year-old was on hand to give the Swans an interval lead in the Midlands, steering a deflected cross from Connor Roberts into the net.

Although the centre-half has already scored in the Champions League, having achieved that feat during a loan spell with TNS last season, this was his first senior goal in a Swans shirt and his excitement was clear to see from his celebration.

But he also impressed again with his defensive showing alongside Kyle Naughton and Marc Guehi in Swansea’s new-look back three.

And Cooper was pleased to see the Wales Under-21 international achieve a notable career milestone.

“I am really pleased for Ben, he is an excellent young player. He has had a breakthrough season, he is so committed to the cause,” said the Swans boss.

“He has managed medical situations this year, and played through the pain barrier, but that’s the type of lad he is.

“His defending was excellent and he was due a goal. If you look back he has been getting on the end of things with his head and not scoring, but the one fell to him tonight and he scored with his feet.

“We are so happy with him, like all young players you have to keep them grounded, which they are, and hopefully he will keep working and improving.”