Cooper happy to be back and doing what he loves at Argyle

PLYMOUTH Argyle goalkeeper Mike Cooper is enjoying being back 'doing what I love' after his successful return from a long-term knee injury.

-  CHRIS ERRINGTON

Cooper, 24, has started the last eight Championship games for the Pilgrims following his return to action in the 0-0 draw away to West Bromwich Albion in October.

That was one of three clean sheets so far for Argyle's player-of-the-year for the past two seasons, who had been out of action since early February due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Cooper said: "It has been really enjoyable being back in the squad after such a long time out. It just feels like I'm back doing what I love. I have managed to stay in the team, managed to stay fit so far, touch wood, so hopefully I can just keep it going.

"I think it's always in the back of your head, not only is the injury going to hold up but having not played a competitive game for nine months - and the games before were in League One - you are thinking 'Can I play at this level?' but so far I feel like I have done well."

Cooper has taken over as Argyle's number one 'keeper from summer signing Conor Hazard, the Northern Ireland international who started the first 11 Championship matches of the campaign after arriving from Glasgow Celtic.