Cooper | Sam is disappointed, but he was a handful

Steve Cooper has revealed Sam Surridge’s frustration at missing a first-half chance against Fulham, but felt the striker’s overall performance made a strong case for a regular starting role.

Surridge – on-loan from Premier League Bournemouth – was denied from close range by Marek Rodak as he raced onto Andre Ayew’s superb cross.

Swansea were also unable to convert other chances as Aleksandar Mitrovic’s brace proved decisive.

But, on his first home league start, Surridge showed good link play and his movement in the channels or with his back to goal gave the Swans options going forward.

And head coach Cooper felt there were positives for the England Under-21 international despite his disappointment.

“I don’t think Sam is pleased, that’s for sure,” said Cooper.

“It was a chance you would expect him to score, but I thought he did a lot of good things in his first start in the league here and we will keep working with him and keep believing in him, as we will all the players.

“I’m sure if another one comes along, he will aiming to put it in.

“He is not lacking confidence but maybe now is the time to give him a run in the team.

“He was a handful and he was there for the chances he missed, which is not a bad trait. He has scored goals, it is a step up for him in terms of playing in the Championship, but we keep going. “