Cooper | Andre Ayew is a class act

Steve Cooper is more than happy to keep singing the praises of Andre Ayew as the forward’s brace helped Swansea City to a 3-1 win over Middlesbrough.

Ayew, the Swans top scorer this season, set them on the way by winning and converting a first-half penalty against Boro at the Liberty Stadium.

And he emphatically restored their lead following Marcus Tavernier’s equaliser, before Sam Surridge made the points safe against a visiting side that ended the contest with nine men.

Cooper had spoken of Ayew’s qualities following his excellent display against Blackburn in midweek, and he was a stand-out performer once more against the team from Teesside.

“I’ll keep saying it because it’s the truth. He’s been brilliant,” said the head coach.

“He’s a class act both on and off the pitch.

“First and foremost as a player, he delivers. His attitude and work ethic is right up there and he’s a brilliant personality off the pitch as well in terms of leading the way, helping with the younger players and long may it continue.

“We know Andre can play higher than this level. But I can only go off what I can see and that is a player who’s giving more than 100%, delivering, scoring.

“You think back to the performance against Blackburn and he’s sliding in tackles in the defensive third and creating counter-attacks himself.

“That tells me he’s really happy. I have a wonderful relationship with him. I like him a lot. I think he likes me a little bit as well!

“For as long as he’s here playing, the better for the football club.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him.”