Experience is key to Cooper

Steve Cooper is in a fortunate position to have some key experience in his squad at the moment through the likes of Andre Ayew, Ryan Bennett, Korey Smith and Wayne Routledge.

It is Ayew who is stealing many of the headlines at the moment (well, along with referees) as he has converted five times in his last four games of which four have come from the penalties that have generated much discussion and column inches.

But it is the experience of the likes of Ayew that is pleasing Cooper at the moment and Cooper was full of praise for his leading scorer when asked the question around what does he bring to the team

“He brings a lot to the table for us, he is a big player, but it is important we stay focused on the job in hand, look at what comes next and treat that as the most important thing.

“Andre has experience, he is 31 and has played on big stages throughout his career, including international football.

“He likes to give back so he is forever sharing his thoughts and experiences with us.

“He is a real team player, he is very much part of the culture, he is always looking to guide and help the young players and he is a real positive influence.

“We are lucky to have experienced players who are really good people, guys like Ryan Bennett and Korey Smith have added to that, we also have someone like Wayne Routledge who sets a great example.”

Earlier in the week Freddie Woodman was also praising of Ayew saying “I feel like I’ve learned so much off him; even just having a chat with him about different things. He gives great advice out and he gives you this confidence and belief when you do speak to him.

“The fans see the goals, but everyone at the club realise that he’s even better at getting the best out of the players around him – even the younger lads.”

It is widely anticipated that Ayew will be on his way from the Liberty come the end of the season whether he helps lift the Swans back into the Premier League or not but the noises coming out of the camp right now suggest that maybe, just maybe, if the goals are enough to secure the riches of promotion then maybe the Andre Ayew and Swansea story has another chapter yet to run?