Cooper pays tribute to Wayne Routledge after injury blow

22nd May
First team
Wayne Routledge injury

Steve Cooper paid an emotional tribute to Wayne Routledge after the Swansea City winger suffered an injury against Barnsley that looks likely to keep him out of the play-off final.

The 36-year-old, who is approaching the end of his 10th season with the Swans, was stretchered off in the second half of the semi-final second leg against Barnsley after landing awkwardly and appearing to suffer a knee injury.

Routledge has been one of the club’s outstanding servants, recently passing through the 300 appearance mark, providing a depth of knowledge and ability that head coach Cooper acknowledged has been a real asset during his tenure as boss.

“First and foremost I have massive respect for Wayne, and he was the main talking point when I was speaking to the guys in the dressing room,” said Cooper.

“It looks like he is going to be injured for next week, but he deserves so much respect, credit and love.

“I have been lucky to work with him, and I will forever be in debt to him because the support he has given me over the last two years has been invaluable.

“He is a really good guy, he sits in between the dressing room and the management team and does it so well because he is a brilliant bloke.

“He has had a great career, he sees the game well, he wants to help and after 10 years at the club everyone thinks the world of him.”