SAM’S A HERO BUT ZERO JOY FOR SWANSEA

STEVE COOPER echoed the fans’ frustrations after his Swansea side failed to break down stubborn Barnsley.

Boos rang around the Liberty Stadium after firing blanks against a resurgent Tykes side.

The stalemate moved the Welsh side to a point from the play-off places, but the Swansea boss understood the criticism.

“I understand the fans’ frustrations, I think we are all frustrated,” said Cooper.

“The crowd played their part, spurring us on, but we didn’t have that cutting edge, and it makes it frustrating as we had the chances.

“I’ve got no problem with the fans, I thought they were really good, and if there is any frustration then we share it with them, that’s for sure.”

Samuel Radlinger made two crucial first-half saves to keep Barnsley on level terms.

First the keeper denied Bersant Celina after he was picked out by Andre Ayew, then showcased his lightning reactions to claw Sam Surridge’s close range shot away.

But he had the crossbar to thank after Surridge hit a dipping shot from 30 yards. Radlinger was beaten, but the ball hit the bar.

Jacob Brown was cursing the woodwork as well when his shot rattled against a Swansea post from just three yards out.

But Radlinger made another crucial intervention in the 56th minute to secure a first clean sheet in 19 games.

The point boosted Barnsley’s survival hopes and manager Gerhard Struber knows that could be crucial.

“It’s a great feeling when we get these big points,” he said.