Cooper praises Guehi and welcomes van der Hoorn return

Steve Cooper praised the performance of Marc Guehi and welcomed the return from injury of Mike van der Hoorn in Swansea City’s 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Guehi, 19, made his first start since the 4-4 draw at Hull in February as he helmed a new-look three-man defence, and turned in an impressive showing.

During the second half he was joined by van der Hoorn as the Dutchman returned from the knee problem that has sidelined him since January 2.

With injuries to Ben Wilmot and Joe Rodon, plus the need to manage a hernia problem for Ben Cabango, Guehi’s authoritative showing and van der Hoorn’s return are a timely boost for the Swans head coach with a play-off place still up for grabs.

“I thought Marc was outstanding, that was a tough game for a centre-half and he showed what a good player he is,” said Cooper.

“Mike came back after a long time out, so there were a lot of pluses.

“Mike could not have started and he was only going to have 30 minutes at the maximum if needed.

“We talked about him being on the bench, he was keen but we knew it had to be 20 or 30 minutes.

“But he’s got those minutes in the bank and that’s really important, although there was no way he could have started.”

Cooper also allayed any fears over the shoulder injury that forced goalscorer Rhian Brewster from the pitch during the closing stages.

The on-loan Liverpool striker had netted his seventh goal of the season before leaving the field, but Cooper does not believe the problem is serious.

“Rhian had a bad shoulder anyway after the Millwall game where he took a bump on it early," said the Swansea boss.

“It is not dislocated or anything, and I am sure he will be fine and want to play against Birmingham and help the team.

“He is a real good player, he loves being here, he is working hard, scoring goals and everyone is benefiting - particularly us as a club - which is the important thing.”