Cooper verdict on Woodman and Naughton ahead of huge game... ‘I WANT THEM TO STAY’
STEVE Cooper has revealed he’s keen to see Freddie Woodman and Kyle Naughton remain at Swansea City beyond this season.
Woodman is one of six loan players Swansea currently have on their books while Naughton is among a group of five players who see their contracts expire this summer.
It means the Jack Army are likely to see another significant squad overhaul ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.
But Cooper has stated he wants to see Newcastle loanee Woodman – who is currently sidelined though injury – and Naughton at the Liberty Stadium next term.
On Naughton, the Swansea boss said: “Kyle has had a really good season, both in an orthodox back four and in a three in the last few weeks.
“We’ve been very happy with him. He’s obviously an experienced player and he’s had a good career, although there’s still a bit of time left for him yet. Injuries and suspensions happen, don’t they?
“A sending off is nothing out of the norm. We’ll adapt accordingly and try to put the right team and formation that we think can give us the best shot of winning the game.
“I know his contract is up. He’s been excellent for us, not just this season, he’s been an excellent servant. I hope he hasn’t played his last game for the club. It’d be great to see him again next year.
“With all of the players out of contract and maybe using the loan system again next year, there’s a lot of things we’re working on. The club are clear on my thoughts on Kyle.
“Connor Roberts has been excellent since lockdown and all season they’ve battled it out, they appreciate each other’s talents. To have them both in the team has been good.
“They’ve been in positions that suit them. Seeing them both next year would be a real positive for the club.”
And discussing Woodman, Cooper commented: “I think Freddie will be holidaying in Swansea for the next 30 or 40 years. He loves it down here. I’ve said it before and he’s said it. He’d love to be here next year, I’d love to have him here.
“I know he’s not one of our own but it certainly feels like it because of how connected to the club he is.
“He’s performed really well, and I think we’ve been good for him as well. We’ve backed him all the way through the season.
“In terms of goalkeeping, I’d love nothing more than Freddie to be with us next season. If that can happen, which is very possible, then I think we’ll all continue to benefit from that, especially the football club.
“Steve Bruce has said he needs to go back out on loan. Freddie is keen to say, he’s made that noise. I’m happy to say I want to keep him. Let’s just see if we can put the jigsaw together and see him again.”
Swansea have no fresh injury concerns from their 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground ahead of today’s fixture with Bristol City at the Liberty Stadium.
Naughton will miss the clashes with the managerless Robins and Reading due to suspension while he would also be unavailable for the first leg of the play-off semi-final should Swansea finish in the top six. ■ Swans v Britsol City match preview: Pages 38&39... Plus... Guto Llewellyn column: Page 37