Steve Cooper praises van der Hoorn consistency

Steve Cooper has praised Mike van der Hoorn’s consistency with the Dutchman set to add to his unbroken run of 66 league starts for Swansea City.

Ex-Ajax centre-half van der Hoorn has started every Championship game since the Swans returned to the second tier, and also started the final Premier League fixture against Stoke in May 2018.

He is the only Swans player to feature in every league game over the last 18 months, and head coach Cooper feels that run is a sign of his consistency and how robust he is in terms of fitness.

“Mike is fit and healthy, and it is always a good thing for any player to be in the team regularly,” said Cooper.

“Sixty-six games is a good return, so hopefully he can continue that because it means he is fit and playing well enough to be in the team.

“That is what we want. It’s what players want to do, it’s a nice to thing to have in the bank but I am sure Mike would say Sunday is more important than anything else.”

But Cooper was also quick to note the displays of Joe Rodon, Ben Wilmot and Ben Cabango at the back, believing all are more than capable of making big contributions to the Swansea cause.

“Mike carries plenty of experience now, and plays in a position that does play a vital part in this type of league because of the different demands that are put on a centre-back.

“So, any centre-back that is required to play is an important part.

“We saw Mike and Joe Rodon have a good partnership at the start of the season.

“Obviously that had to stop because Joe got injured, but Ben Wilmot has come in and hit the ground running.

“Everyone who has played centre-back has played a good role, but it is about looking forward and making sure the good things they bring to the table are used to the maximum in future games.”