Dewsnip backs Cooper to keep getting better

PLYMOUTH Argyle goalkeeper Michael Cooper will get ‘stronger and stronger as the season goes on’ according to the club’s director of football Neil Dewsnip.

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

Cooper, 24, has made five successive starts since making his comeback from a serious long-term knee injury in the 0-0 draw away to West Bromwich Albion on October 21.

He was out of action for eight-and-a-half months after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament, with Northern Ireland international Conor Hazard playing in the first 11 Championship games of the campaign after his summer transfer from Scottish champions Celtic.

Inevitably, given such a long absence and without a pre-season to work his way into a rhythm, Cooper has had some up and down moments on his return to action. He did have trouble with some of his kicking during the 2-1 defeat at third-placed Leeds United, for example, although some of the back passes to him were not the best either.

However, Cooper made a splendid diving save in the second half to push away a shot from Jaidon Anthony as he showed he had lost none of his agility or reactions.