Phil Sumbler
It was always going to be a question put to Russell Martin at his press conference this afternoon and therefore it was no surprise to hear him talking about Ollie Cooper’s omission from the Welsh squad announced for the World Cup yesterday evening.
Th name of Cooper had been touted as a possible late addition to the squad but he was left out and will not travel to Qatar as Wales prepare to make a first World Cup appearance for 64 years later this month.
Cooper’s form for the Swans in the last few months has been nothing short of exceptional and there was increasing predictions that it maybe enough to earn him a place in the squad but that was stopped last evening when the announcement was made.
Speaking as part of his weekly press conference ahead of the weekend game Russell Martin admitted that he had not heard from Robert Page ahead of the announcement as he praised the recent contributions of his midfielder.
“I’m really gutted for Ollie,” said the Swans boss.
“If I was Wales manager he would be going. When you look at the squad he deserves to go on merit and performance. But I’m not the Wales manager so I cannot comment on why he is not on the squad.
“I am not sure he could have done much more to be involved. He may be needed if there are injuries and if that is the case he will be ready.
“Robert Page did not speak to me about Ollie which I find very surprising.”
