Cooper can’t wait to see Swans run out in front of the Jack Army
STEVE Cooper admits he’s desperate to play in front of the Swansea City faithful again after his side defeated Barnsley at Oakwell.
The Tykes had 4,500 fans in attendance on Monday night, but the Swans will get the opportunity to play in front of their own supporters in Saturday’s second leg at the Liberty Stadium.
Around 3,000 members of the Jack Army will look to roar their side on to Wembley after Andre Ayew’s stunner gave Swansea the advantage at the midway point of the Championship play-off semifinal contest.
And having played in front of supporters for the first time in 14 months, Cooper admitted Saturday’s home clash with Valerien Ismael’s men will be an emotional affair.
“Fair play to Barnsley, they did well with the supporters but the only thing in my mind is what the Liberty will be like on Saturday,” said the Swansea head coach.
“It’s really whetted the appetite, to think that we’re going to be going home.
“Spare a thought for the guys who won’t be there as well, I’ve said that before, but the ones who will, it’s going to be a special moment.
“I know the big picture is about trying to get through the tie.
“But to think we can have our guys back in our home, I think it’ll be pretty emotional for everybody involved.
“We’ve just got to commit to it so much to give them something to shout about.”
Ayew’s 17th goal of the campaign six minutes before half time proved to be the difference in the first leg in Yorkshire.
And Cooper lavished praise on the matchwinner while adding he was hugely impressed with his side’s defensive showing against the Tykes.
“We knew what the game would be, and, away from home, you have to respect it, stand up to it and match it. That’s what I thought we did,” he said.
“We got a real good moment of excellence with Andre’s goal and we managed to continue being a strong unit defensively.
“We could have showed a bit more quality on the ball at times, but, I get it, with fans being back in, it was a really good atmosphere here.
“Barnsley are a really tough team to play against and there’s that psychological state of trying to protect a lead a little bit, and, in the end, for the 90 minutes, we did that.
“But we’ve been here before this tie last year. It’s only a small lead if you manage it and protect it. That’s got to be the focus and mentality going into Saturday.
“Andre was the one who made the difference on the night. We know he can do that. Once he gets in them areas on his left foot he can be a real handful and he proved that.”