Cooper asks squad to be super troopers
STEVE COOPER has not given up hope of Swansea gatecrashing the play-offs – but he knows his players need to share his belief.
A midweek draw at Millwall did little for the Welsh side’s chances but they host Sheffield Wednesday today aiming to close the gap on the top six.
And Cooper wants to see an immediate improvement from Tuesday night.
“We have to focus on ourselves and commit to our plan to get the job done,” he said.
“This is a time to look at being at your best.
“We have been mixed since we’ve come back and we have to work as hard as we can.
“The loss at home to Luton was frustrating.
“You don’t want to lose any game, although obviously you understand you can, but you have to show you are fighting and giving your best for an amazing community.
“That has to be the intention and if we back that up with good performances we will give ourselves a chance.”
Meanwhile, Wednesday boss Garry Monk is excited at the promise being shown by youngster Alex Hunt as his side look to finish the season strongly.
The Owls have six games in the space of 17 days in July and one man who has impressed both behind the scenes and in short bursts during recent game is Hunt, 20.
Monk said: “Of course he is pushing to be involved.
“I think Alex is further down the line than the other younger players in terms of his development.
“His personality is really clear now amongst the senior professionals.
“He is more than holding his own with the group and it’s exciting to have a player like that here.
“We are using him in games now and he is a big part of the future.”