Steve Cooper | Barrie McKay making most of deserved opportunity

Steve Cooper feels Barrie McKay’s recent contributions for Swansea City are just reward for the hard work the midfielder has put in.

McKay emerged from the bench on Saturday to set up a key second goal for Andre Ayew to set the Swans on their way to an important home win over Middlesbrough.

The Scot’s previous home outing had seen him tee up George Byers against Fulham, meaning he has two assists from three Championship appearances this season.

Overall the former Rangers man now has nine assists to his name in a white shirt, coming at an average of one per every 186 minutes on the pitch.

Head coach Cooper acknowledges the winger has probably been frustrated by his lack of action this season – making six appearances in all competitions – but has no doubt he is a real asset for Swansea.

“Barrie has the ability to spot a pass and make something happen, we know that,” said Cooper.

“He has played nowhere near the amount of minutes he would like to do this season.

“We have had some honest conversations about it, but credit to him as a professional because not once has he shied away from working and doing his all to get back in the fold.

“He deserves it, he’s made three appearances in the last few weeks and he has looked the good player he is.

“We see it in training, we are pleased for him and I am sure he is pleased to feel like he is contributing.

“But he will want to turn that into starts and he will have the opportunity to continue that work, and if it does work out there will be no-one more pleased than me.”