Manager keen for Routledge to extend stay at the Liberty

STEVE Cooper has revealed he wants Wayne Routledge to stay at Swansea City beyond the current campaign.

The experienced winger netted two goals in the Swans’ 4-1 triumph over Reading at the Madejski Stadium on Wednesday night, a result that – coupled with Nottingham Forest’s hefty defeat to Stoke City - saw Cooper’s men clinch a Championship play-off spot.

He recently signed a short-term contract extension to remain at the Liberty Stadium until the end of the protracted 2019/20 season.

However, it means Routledge could yet leave South Wales in the not-too-distant future given that his deal is due to expire following the conclusion of the current campaign.

But Cooper says he’s keen for Routledge to extend his stay into what would be the 35-year-old’s 10th season at Swansea.

When asked if he wants Routledge to stay on, Cooper responded: “I would like him to stay, no doubt about that.

“I still think he has assets to offer and it’s not just because of what he did the other night, although that was brilliant.

“He can still produce. You do need experience around, and he obviously oozes that. He looks after the other players as well.

“Having him around is a definite positive.

“With all of the boys who are outof-contract and possible ins and outs, when something is signed and sealed we’ll let you know,” Cooper added.

“Wayne and everybody else is just really focused on the next two games. Everything else after that will take care of itself.

“But I love having Wayne around. Long may it continue.”