Steve Cooper | Wayne's mix of knowledge and quality a major asset

Steve Cooper believes Wayne Routledge’s mix of quality and experience will continue to make him a major asset after the winger extended his stay at Swansea City.

The 35-year-old has put pen to paper on a new one-year contract through to the end of the 2020-21 season.

The deal will see him bring up a decade of service for the Swans, having joined from Newcastle in 2011.

Routledge has made 284 appearances and scored 32 goals in that time, with his most recent brace coming in the unforgettable play-off clinching win at Reading on the final day of the Championship season.

And, while head coach Cooper is pleased to have a player of immense knowledge and professionalism at his disposal once more, he is also excited by Routledge’s quality and technical ability.

“It’s very positive news for Wayne to extend his time with Swansea City,” said the Swans boss.

“Wayne still very much adds value on the pitch, he started some important games last year and showed the level everyone knows he can play at.

"Also, when we have used him off the bench he has been a good asset. You can use him in a number of positions and - from a football point of view - he still makes a very positive contribution.

“He keeps himself incredibly fit, he’s a credit to himself with the condition he keeps himself in.

“He’s in one of our top groups when it comes to our testing, and I have no doubt that will be the case again when we begin pre-season.

“He will continue to bring experience and wisdom to our squad, he is a team man, someone we can all trust in the dressing room.

“He is almost an extension of the coaching team in the messages he can give in the dressing room to the team or individuals, so it’s a positive on so many fronts.”