HOURIHANE'S AN INSTANT SWANS HERO!

Cooper hails influence of new boy Conor

- Phil Blanche

STEVE Cooper hailed the influence of new sign-ing Conor Hourihane after Swansea thrashed Nottingham Forest to reach the fifth round.

Hourihane joined Swansea on Wednesday, with the Republic of Ireland midfielder moving from Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season.

The 29-year-old only had a couple of training sessions with his new team-mates before starting for the Championship high-fliers. But Hourihane made an instant impact as Swansea scored more than two in a game for the first time this season.

“I thought he was excellent, he’s been so impressive since he walked through the door,” Swansea boss Cooper said.

“You can see he’s a real focused, professional individual who is not only going to bring what he possesses, but he also wants to buy into what we’re trying to do. That’s always the best way to be.

“His composure and quality on the ball was how we wanted it and why we wanted to bring him here. If that’s the start of things to come then happy days.”