Monk praises Cooper’s first season at the Swans helm

GARRY Monk believes Steve Cooper has done “exceptionally well” during his debut campaign as Swansea City head coach.

The former Swan brings his Sheffield Wednesday side to the Liberty Stadium tomorrow (noon) looking to further dent the play-off hopes of his old club.

After failing to claim wins against Luton and Millwall, Swansea are four points adrift of the top six with just six matches left to play. However, the Swans have been in contention for a play-off spot for the entirety of the 2019/20 campaign.

And Monk believes Cooper’s men will be full of belief that they can stay in the mix for promotion in the remaining weeks of the campaign.

“I think Coops has done exceptionally well. I think he suits their club,” he said.

“They are a very young, vibrant team. They have got a lot of talent coming through. They have a talented squad.

“I am sure they have ambitions to be in the shake up at the end of the season.

“It will be a good test for us.” The Owls have impressed since the restart of the season, earning a lastgasp draw with Nottingham Forest before beating Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

However, Wednesday were thumped 3-0 by automatic promotion hopefuls West Brom in midweek. It leaves the Hillsborough outfit nine points off the top six, with Sheffield Wednesday seemingly destined for a mid-table finish.

However, Monk – who has secured three draws in his three matches as a manager against Swansea – is still eager to get one over his former club this weekend.

“I was there for 12 years and we had a lot of success there. It was a big part of my life,” he added. “I have got nothing but fond memories. I have got friends for life.

“But whenever I come back up against them, I want to win so I am looking forward to the game.

“It is not about me. It is about the team going down there and getting a performance. We know we are playing against a good side.”