Cooper confident of Checkatrade progress

Oli Cooper admits Swansea City Under-23s are confident going into their crucial Checkatrade Trophy showdown with Charlton Athletic this evening (7.45pm).

The Swans travel to The Valley needing a victory to progress to the knockout stages of the competition for the third year running.

They are on a three-match unbeaten run in all competitions and Cooper believes his team-mates have momentum ahead of facing the League One outfit.

“We’re going into the game off the back of some good performances,” the midfielder said.

“We’re on a good run of form, the team are in high spirits and we’re feeling confident. We just need to take that into the game.

“It’ll be a good experience to play against a different kind of opposition. They’ll have a few first-team players that will provide a good challenge for us.

“We’ll try and do the right things and, hopefully, get the win we need to progress.”

Cooper is certainly full of confidence after scoring his first goal for the under-23s in the 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

And the 18-year-old is hopeful his strike will be the first of many this season.

“It was a great moment to get my first goal for the under-23s,” he added. “I was disappointed we didn’t get the win but, on a personal level, it was a great achievement for me.

“When chances come at that level, it’s all about taking them. Hopefully, this is just the start and I can grab a few more before the end of the season.”