Steve Cooper | I knew that reaction was coming

Steve Cooper got the reaction he expected from his Swansea City players as they bounced back from their midweek disappointment with a 2-0 victory over Barnsley.

Jamal Lowe’s fifth goal of the season and an own goal by Victor Adeboyejo made it seven games unbeaten at the Liberty for the Swans, while they also racked up an 11th clean sheet of the season.

The result means they will lie third in the Championship table at Christmas, and Cooper revealed he sensed the hunger and appetite to respond to the defeat at Derby in the lead-up to the clash with the Tykes.

“We took a step back on Wednesday but we put it right today and I am pleased with the reaction,” he said.

“I thought we would get the reaction because I saw fire in the bellies at the training ground yesterday in the meetings we had with the players and in the work we do on the pitch to prepare.

“When we came off the pitch yesterday as coaches we felt the boys looked ready, there was a real good vibe.

“It did not need many words from me today as they were ready to play the game, and they proved us right.

“I’ve said it before, I could not wish to work with a more professional and committed group of lads.

“They are a credit to the football club and they are brilliant to work with.

“They get on really well, they train really well and that is the case for the lads who did not play today, too.”