STEVEN Schumacher admitted it was a big call' to select the fit-again Michael Cooper ahead of Conor Hazard for Argyle's match away to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
The Pilgrims' boss thought the highly-rated 24-year-old rewarded that faith in him by keeping a clean sheet in the 0-0 draw at The Hawthorns as he played his first competitive match in eight months.
His opportunity came as Schumacher opted to play him ahead of Hazard, the £150,000 summer signing from Celtic who had started the previous 11 Championship matches.
Schumacher said: "I'm buzzing for Mike. He has obviously been a huge player for us over the last couple of seasons. We rate him so highly, I believe he's one of the best young goalkeepers in the country.
"He has been training really well, he has been sharp, he's just a calming influence and he makes big saves.
"It was a big call because I think Conor has done well but that's what I get paid to do, to make big calls. Michael has repaid it because he has kept a clean sheet on his return so I'm delighted for him."
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