We've learned a lot about ourselves this week, says Steve Cooper

29th February
First team
Steve Cooper

Steve Cooper believes his squad have learned a lot about themselves following a demanding week which culminated in Swansea City edging slightly closer to a play-off spot.

The Swans looked set for a hard-earned victory at Ewood Park, only for sub Bradley Johnson to snatch a point for Blackburn Rovers with a deflected strike deep into injury time.

Cooper’s side had come from behind to lead in Lancashire, with Rhian Brewster levelling before the break and Andre Ayew slotting home his 14th goal of the season from the penalty spot after Jordon Garrick – making his first league start – was felled in the box shortly into the second half.

Johnson’s late leveller was the second last-gasp goal the Swans had conceded this week, with Fulham pinching victory at Craven Cottage on Wednesday via Aleksandar Mitrovic’s header.

The Swans finish the week in ninth – four points off the play-offs with 10 games remaining.

And Cooper insists his side won’t be affected by the late goals they have conceded.

Andre Ayew

“They will be fine. I don’t think anyone can question our commitment,” said the Swans boss.

“It would have been easy to feel sorry for ourselves and sulk (after the Fulham defeat), but no-one did that.

“I see a group of players giving their all.

“It was gut wrenching in the end, but we’ll get over it because we have to.

“We’re a point closer, so we will take something from that.

“One thing we won’t do is give up or stop fighting.

“We will keep believing in what we are doing. We have learned a lot about ourselves this week. We’ve learned to do it on our own with our fans behind us.”