By Graham Thomas
Ollie Cooper went to the last World Cup, but his role was not one that grabbed too many headlines.
The Swansea City midfielder was part of the Wales group that journeyed to Qatar almost two years ago, but his duties were as a back-up training partner, rather than an official member of the 26-man squad.
In other words, Cooper and Jordan James were stand-by youngsters, to be called upon if needed.
As Wales slipped quietly out of the tournament after a draw and two defeats, neither player was required to get involved.
But since then, whilst James has gone on to become a Wales regular, producing form that took him from Birmingham City to French Ligue 1 side Rennes this summer, Cooper remained on the margins for his country.
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Not only that, he was then rarely a first pick at the Swans last season, either, and his career seemed to be stalling in the same way Rubin Colwill’s has done at Cardiff City.
Cooper, though, appears to be highly-rated by new Wales manager Craig Bellamy, which meant a starting place – his first for his country – in this week’s victory over Montenegro.
His pace off the mark, workrate, high energy and general buzz that he brings to any team, means the 24-year-old is also starting to convince Swans head coach Luke Williams and Cooper is likely to start when the Swans host Norwich City on Saturday.
After contributing to Wales’ win in Niksic, Cooper insisted: “It couldn’t have gone any better, really.
“It was tough but we stuck together and got through it.
“It was amazing to make my first start. It’s what you dream of. I’ve had a taste coming on against Turkey and you always want more.
“To get the opportunity to start a game is amazing and I’m really happy with the way it’s gone.
“The style of play is perfect for me. We want to dominate the ball, press high. It’s something I believe I can help the team with.”
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Cooper had featured as a substitute against Turkey in Wales’ Nations League opener and he is right to feel his game appears to align with what Bellamy is seeking.
Quite where he fits into Swansea’s plans is less certain, though. Williams has tried using him as a kind of auxiliary striker, a role he seems unsuited for, although maybe it has more to do with the club’s current lack of firepower options than in does with a belief Cooper is the man to fil the still sizeable hole left by Joel Piroe.
The Swans have made an indifferent start to the season. They lost their opener at Middlesbrough, but recovered quickly to beat Preston at home, 3-0.
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They then threw away a lead in their derby clash against Cardiff, to be eventually held to a 1-1 draw, before going out of the League Cup to Wycombe and losing again on the road, to West Brom.
Norwich have also made a stuttering start and are 13th in the Championship table, just a point and three places ahead of the Swans.
Cardiff are still looking for their first win of the season – and are bottom of the table – as they go to Derby County, where Bluebirds boss Erol Bulut will sit in the stands.
Tonight's Cardiff City news as Erol Bulut defiant over touchline ban and gives full injury update with star in boot #CCFC #Bluebirds https://t.co/dOQImiQZzr pic.twitter.com/Hu7TflMEvw
— Cardiff City Online (@CardiffCityLive) September 12, 2024
That’s a result of Bulut’s touchline ban, received for a bust-up with Kyle Naughton during the Welsh derby, but that’s the least of his problems.
Cardiff looked as if they might have kick-started their season with that comeback against the Swans, but since then they have lost 5-3 to Southampton to go out of the League Cup and then 2-0 at home to Boro in the League.
Pressure is mounting on Bulut, already, and this fixture looks awkward against newly-promoted opponents who have won eight successive matches in front of their own fans.
Wrexham must wait until Monday before they test their credentials as the unbeaten leaders of League One with a visit to title favourites, Birmingham City.
Manager Phil Parkinson will go there having made room on his mantlepiece for the August Manager of the Month trophy for League One.
Newport County – in eighth place in League Two – go to Swindon Town, where they will be confident of adding to their winless hosts’ early season troubles.
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