Super Cooper’s a Schu-in for Steven after clean sheet

MICHAEL Cooper celebrated his first appearance in eight months as Plymouth picked up a rare clean sheet.

Argyle’s key man between the sticks has been out since February because of an ACL injury.

But he was on song with a crucial stop to deny Grady Diangana after replacing Conor Hazard as Plymouth claimed a first shut-out in seven matches.

Boss Steven Schumacher said: “I’m buzzing for Mike.

He’s been a huge player over the last couple of seasons.

“We rate him so highly. He’s one of the best young keepers in the country.

“Michael was sharp in training, he’s a calming influence and makes big saves. We’re really glad to have him back.”

The game was poor fare though with the hosts going close first as Alex Mowatt’s shot deflected wide.

Morgan Whittaker saw his left-foot effort strike the post for Argyle before Kaine Kesler-hayden’s shot was saved by Alex Palmer.

West Brom’s big moment came in the second half but Cooper was equal to Diangana’s deflected effort.

Plymouth might have picked up a first away win of the season but Mustapha Bundu’s shot was pushed away by Palmer.

Baggies boss Carlos Corberan said: “They were better than us in the first half and we were better than them in the second.

“We need to improve our set-pieces.” WEST BROM: Palmer 7; Kipre 6, Bartley 6 (Ajayi (78) 6), Pieters 6 (Townsend (59) 6); Furlong 7, Chalobah 6 (Molumby (66) 6), Mowatt 6 (Yokuslu (78) 6), Phillips 6; Diangana 6 (Fellows (78) 6), Wallace 6, Thomas-asante 6 PLYMOUTH: Cooper 7; Kesler-hayden 7, Scarr 7, Gibson 7, Miller 6; Whittaker 7, Houghton 6 (Cundle (66) 6), Randell 6, Azaz 6, Mumba 6 (Butcher (88) 6); Hardie 6 (Bundu (66) 6) STAR MAN: Michael Cooper – Commanding presence in Plymouth goal on return gave visiting defence much-needed confidence. REF: Stephen Martin 6