Swansea's Cooper lives dream with Wales

Ollie Cooper will return to Swansea City duty this week having fulfilled a dream while on international duty.

Midfielder Cooper made his first Wales start in Monday’s Nations League victory over Montenegro.

Cooper made his Wales debut under Rob Page in March 2023, but had not been part of the national set-up for more than a year before being recalled for this month’s games by new head coach Craig Bellamy.

The 24-year-old featured as a late substitute in last Friday’s draw with Turkey, before being named as one of five changes to Bellamy’s starting side in rain-soaked Niksic.

“It’s what you dream of,” Cooper said.

“I had a taste coming on the other day. You always want more so to finally get the opportunity to start was amazing and I am really happy with how it went.”

Cooper’s blend of tenacity and quality on the ball ensured he played a part in the first win of the Bellamy era.

“It was one of those games where the pitch wasn’t great and the weather was awful, but I think the boys showed real heart and determination just to deal with it and do enough to get the three points,” he said.

Cooper feels Wales’ new style under Bellamy – which is based around trying to control possession and pressing opponents high up the pitch – is suited to his qualities.

His first full cap continued what has been a bright start to the season, with Cooper making a positive impression at Swansea having struggled for consistency in 2023-24.

While his immediate focus will be on Swansea’s Championship game at home against Norwich City this Saturday, Cooper can expect to be part of the Wales squad once more when they take on Iceland and Montenegro in October - and he has high hopes for the future at international level under Bellamy.

“I think he’s a great guy, a great gaffer,” Cooper said.

“Like he has said, this is just the start. We have been together a week and we have already put on two very good performances in two very different games.

“We still have a long way to go, so every time we get together hopefully we will see an improvement.”