Michael Cooper: Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper impresses on knee injury return

Michael Cooper returned to action after 259 days out injured

Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher says he was impressed with goalkeeper Michael Cooper's performance on his return from injury.

Cooper, 24, kept a clean sheet in the 0-0 draw at West Bromwich Albion.

The game was Cooper's first since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament at Sheffield Wednesday in February and his first-ever game in the second tier of English football.

"What he did have to do he dealt with really well," Schumacher said.

"Everything he was asked to do he dealt with it well and he'll be delighted for a clean sheet on his return to the team.

"He's had a long journey - eight months he's been out for - and he's worked so hard to get himself back, and I'm delighted for him.

"All the players are buzzing for him because he's a hugely popular member of the squad and has been a big player for us over the last few seasons," he told BBC Radio Devon.

The point at The Hawthorns was a third draw in six away games since Argyle won promotion to the second tier in the summer, although the club still await a first victory on the road.

But Schumacher was pleased with his side - who had chances to win as Morgan Whittaker hit the post, while Kaine Kesler-Hayden and Mustapha Bundu had efforts well saved.

"We showed a side that we haven't probably seen enough of where we've battled, scrapped, fought for every single ball," he said.

"We were more aggressive, we were harder to play against and once again we were excellent with the ball, especially in the first half some of the football that we played was outstanding.

"We got into brilliant areas, the only criticism is we didn't score when we were on top because I think if we did score just before half-time then we've got something to hold on to - because we expected a reaction from West Brom, which is what we got.

"But overall the lads have grafted so hard and they deserve the point that they got."