Steve Cooper reveals Freddie's penalty homework

Steve Cooper revealed how Swansea City’s penalty homework helped Freddie Woodman pass his spot-kick test at Derby County.

The on-loan keeper ensured the Swans left Pride Park with a share of the spoils as he got down sharply to palm Martyn Waghorn’s spot-kick to safety.

The Derby striker hit the ball to his right and – while powerfully struck – Woodman had predicted correctly and made a stop that proved crucial in the final analysis.

And head coach Cooper explained how the 22-year-old and goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson had done their research on Rams’ forward Waghorn, and their analysis paid off in fine style.

“Waghorn has gone that way on four out of his last five, and we just felt – with it being the first game at home - he would do what he thinks he is good at,” said Cooper.

“It was not a bad penalty, it was just a really good save, but fair play to Martyn Margetson and Freddie.

“They had done their analysis and it had worked for us, and we expected to save the penalty once he went that way.

“There is analysis going on with every aspect, most clubs are pretty similar but we believe in what we are doing off the pitch in supporting the players and giving them the best opportunity to perform and I guess that was an important detail today.

“It’s brilliant for Freddie, there is no better thing for the goalkeeper than to save a penalty and get a decent result.

“It would have been better if we had won the game after doing it, but I am pleased for him.

“He got an amazing reception from the fans there after the game which will be good for him to see that.”