Brandon Cooper recalled from Newport loan by Swansea City
NEWPORT County AFC’s pressure for promotion received a second quick hit after Swansea City recalled defenseman Brandon Cooper from his one-season loan.
Following Scott Twine’s return to parent club Swindon, the 20-year-old returned west to Liberty Stadium.
The Welsh Under-21 international had been a mainstay in signing Michael Flynn’s 2020/21 squad in September with his exploits earning him a new contract with the Swans.
READ MORE: County makes offer for Scott Twine
Comfortable on the right of three center-backs or in a flat four, Cooper made 25 appearances and impressed with his defense and poise on the ball.
County boss Flynn said last month he had had “positive conversations” with his Swansea counterpart Steve Cooper about the bright prospect of ending the season at Rodney Parade.
“I’m sure after talking to Steve they see his development here until the end of the season and then it’s up to Brandon in pre-season to make his way into Swansea’s first team,” he said. said Flynn.
However, Cooper will no longer aim to help the Exiles in Ligue 1 after the Swans were hit by injuries to defenders Ryan Bennett, Kyle Naughton and Joel Latibeaudiere.
The start leaves Flynn with a defensive headache after Cooper formed such a strong partnership with Matty Dolan, who went from midfielder to full-back three, and Mickey Demetriou.
Scot Bennett is an option while summer signing David Longe-King has made two appearances as a substitute after a serious groin injury.
Kyle Howkins started the season in the last three games before Cooper’s arrival, but has been missing since September with a hamstring injury.
Academy prospect Joe Woodiwiss played in a trio of EFL Trophy matches and was an unused substitute in the Carabao Cup victory over Swansea.
However, it may well be that Flynn will opt for a new defender during his recruiting campaign in January.
The county has confirmed loans have ended for defender Aaron Lewis (Lincoln), defender Bradley Webb (Bristol City), midfielder Scott Twine (Swindon) and forward Saikou Janneh (Bristol City).