O’NEILL’S CHUFFED WITH TOM

STOKE boss Michael O’Neill has praised full-back Tommy Smith for bringing a “different dimension” to his side since returning to the fold.

Smith, 28, has stepped up to the plate in the absence of Nathan Collins, who remains sidelined with a foot injury.

And O’Neill paid tribute to Smith’s attacking qualities since taking up the mantle out wide for the Potters.

O’Neill said: “We want our full-backs to go forward and affect the game and link with the wide players and I think Tommy’s done that very well.”

BRANDON Cooper is aiming to break into Swansea’s first team for the promotion run-in after stepping up his recovery from injury.

The 21-year-old defender, who had a loan spell at Newport earlier this season, has occupied the sidelines since early January with an ankle problem.

Cooper was given game time in midweek to build up his fitness, playing 90 minutes for the Swans’ Under-23s against Ipswich.

Now he is hoping to play some part in the latter stages of the Championship campaign.

“It was great to be back out there playing football and doing what I love after my injury,” Cooper said.

“It’s good to get 90 minutes under my belt. The gaffer (Steve Cooper) told me to do that and give myself a chance to be in contention for some minutes for the first team over the rest of the season.

“I’m going to do everything I can to get my chance with the first team and, when it comes, I’m going to take it.”

Cooper faces competition for a starting spot from Joel Latibeaudiere, who came on to replace the injured Marc Guehi for the second half of the Swans’ midweek draw against Blackburn.

“Personally, I want to get some more games and minutes under my belt,” the 21-year-old said.

“I feel like I am contributing well in training and giving a good account of myself in the games.”