Steve Cooper | Bersant's ability gives us options

Steve Cooper believes Bersant Celina’s attacking talent is providing Swansea City with options to utilise in the final third.

The Kosovo international returns to club action at Barnsley this weekend on the back of an excellent result for his country against Montenegro.

It leaves Kosovo in contention for automatic qualification for Euro 2020, or a play-off spot, as the final fixtures approach.

The former Manchester City man has featured in the central number 10 role – where he spent much of last season – as well as on the left flank this season.

His two goals so far this term – at QPR and against Birmingham – came while he was playing out wide, while he has also looked sharp playing through the middle of a three behind the striker.

And head coach Cooper feels the range of creative options the 23-year-old provides are a real asset to Swansea City.

“He can definitely play as a number 10, I think he can do both,” said Cooper.

“We have talked a lot about gameplans and certain areas of the pitch where players can be most productive, and Bersant is someone who can make a difference.

“He can create and score, and sometimes – in my opinion – there are games he can do that from out wide, and there are games he can do that from a central role.

“I think what has tended to happen when he plays central – and he has played as much centrally as he has out wide – is we have moved him wide in the game and he has made more of a difference.

“He went there in the second half against Preston and was probably our best player in the second half, the team played much better.

“So, he can do both. We have lots of options at the top of the pitch that can play a number of positions and Bersant is one of them.

“We will try to use him wisely, but he is certainly a player who fits the number 10 profile.”