The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Cooper closes in on dream
Liam Cooper has peered at pictures of Gordon Strachan dotted along the walls at Elland Road, writes Ian Roache.
Now the Leeds United captain wants to be able to look across from the Hampden pitch and see the national coach on the touchline.
If Cooper could do that, it would mean he has realised his dream of making his debut for Scotland.
The 26-year-old’s call-up for the vital World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia and Slovenia saw him earn the new boy tag, but he has been in and around the international set-up before.
The Hull-born defender has been capped at U17 and U19 level by the Scots, and also made it into the pools for senior friendlies against Denmark and Canada.
Now comes the big one and, thanks to former Scotland player and Leeds legend Eddie Gray, Cooper knows what will be expected of him if he gets game time at the national stadium on Thursday against the Slovaks.
“I am delighted to be in the squad now and, obviously, we have started the season well at Leeds, with the gaffer there (Thomas Christiansen) giving me the captaincy,” said Cooper.
“I am enjoying it and have been rewarded by being called into the Scotland squad again so I’m really happy.
“I think the centre-halves we’ve got in the squad are very good and are established at this level.
“They have all played a lot of games at this level and have proven themselves.
“Hopefully, I can push those lads to perform better.
“I know the manager (Strachan) well because his picture is all over Elland Road.
“There are also a lot of photos of the other famous Scots who have been at Leeds.
“If I can follow in their footsteps that would be amazing but I’m just focusing on myself at the minute.
“Eddie Gray is at a lot of the games and I spoke with him about Scotland,” he said.
“He told me how important this game against Slovakia is.
“We all know it’s a big one but we’re confident in our team and what we are aiming for.”
There was also international joy for Dunfermline defender Callum Morris, who has been called up to the Northern Ireland squad for their matches against Germany and Norway.