Cooper reveals squad appreciation for Joel Latibeaudiere

Steve Cooper revealed Joel Latibeaudiere received a round of dressing room applause from his team-mates following his “outstanding” full debut for Swansea City against Bournemouth.

The 20-year-old only made his Swans bow as a late substitute in the weekend win over Luton, having had to overcome an injury following his move from Manchester City.

With Marc Guehi and Ryan Bennett unavailable through injury, he was handed a starting role against the Cherries and acquitted himself well.

His showing was made all the more impressive by the fact it was his first senior start in almost exactly 12 months – having last featured on loan at FC Twente on December 20, 2019.

And head coach Cooper had no shortage of praise for Latibeaudiere.

“I thought he was outstanding,” said the Swansea boss.

“Not just the level he played at, but when you think how long it had been since he last played a game before the weekend, not even as a sub.

“He cannot play for the under-23s at the moment and he had an injury to recover from when he joined us from Manchester City.

“Covid restrictions is denying the lads who are not in the first team minutes elsewhere, so for him to play at that level and intensity tells you everything about not just his ability, but his attitude too.

“The lads gave him a big round of applause when we came back in.

“It was not a lively dressing room as we did not win the game, but there was a lot of appreciation for what Joel did tonight.

“He should be really proud of himself, I am proud of him too.”