COOPER: I AIM TO KEEP STARS
STEVE Cooper hasn’t closed the door on making new additions to his squad, but admits he’s determined not to lose any of his highflying stars before the end of the January window.
Swansea City head into tomorrow night’s clash with Brentford in excellent form, having lost just one of their last nine league games, a run that has created a real buzz in the camp heading into a crucial run of Championship fixtures.
The likes of Conor Hourihane, Jordan Morris and Ben Hamer have further bolstered Cooper’s squad, and it remains to be seen if any further business is to be done.
However, Cooper said his main focus is on ensuring there are no departures before the end of the window.
“I hope nobody goes out,” he said. “There may be one or two of the younger lads that we might consider a loan for, but out of the core of the boys involved in the first team, then we certainly hope nobody leaves.
“Never say never on players coming in. I always think that if something pops up that is right and is doable, then we’ll have a go at it.
“But is there anything No, there’s not.
“By the end of the window, or the end of the week, who knows?
“You’re always looking to improve if something’s there. You should never settle for anything less. I’m always happy with the players available.
“That’s where my focus goes. That was the same today, it’ll be the same tomorrow, and we’ll pick the right team for Wednesday.
“If we can have one or two more at the end of the window, then fine. If not, then we crack on, but I do hope we don’t lose anybody.”
One area that could yet be identified as a possible area for strengthening is the right wingback position.
Connor Roberts has played every minute of the club’s Championship campaign and shows little sign of taking his foot off the gas as he looks to help his boyhood club back into the top flight.
However, Cooper says he currently has no concerns over the player’s workload.
DC United’s Paul Arriola has been mentioned as a possible option, imminent? although those links were seemingly played down by Julian Winter over the weekend.
Pressed on whether he may look to offer some depth to his right full-back options, Cooper added: “Maybe. Connor will be miffed he’s not playing every game for
Wales as well as Swansea. It’s important to manage these players.
“We did manage to rest him a bit for the third-round FA Cup game, which probably didn’t suit him that much as he likes to be active, but he’s back playing now.
“He wanted to play at the weekend and did so.
“We’re always monitoring players’ loads and some players can cope with things.
“But I feel we’ve got players who can come in when Connor’s not available. We’re really happy with Connor.”