Cooper delighted to see Yan Dhanda take his chance

Steve Cooper has praised Yan Dhanda for the way the Swansea City midfielder has seized his opportunity this week.

Dhanda had not featured in the Championship this season until being handed a starting role against Stoke in midweek.

He turned in a lively performance against the Potters – striking the post early on – and causing a number of problems for the visitors.

He backed it up in Saturday’s win over Blackburn, producing a superb cross for Andre Ayew to score Swansea’s second in a 2-0 win.

And Cooper was pleased to see the midfielder grasp the chance, having had to be patient since featuring in the Carabao Cup defeat at Newport.

“Yan has more than deserved his opportunity. To be honest, I should have given him more opportunity last season,” said Cooper.

“It’s a small regret of mine that he deserved more playing time, and I have told him that.

“That’s not to say he is guaranteed opportunities in the future if he does not deserve them. He has still got to go and earn them like everybody else.

“But he has trained brilliantly, and so far he has taken his opportunities and credit to him.

“He had not played since pre-season. We know he can play with the ball, score a goal and see a pass, but he doesn’t half look fit.

“I am really pleased with how ready he has been, because it’s not just about being on the ball, it’s also about the work and running without it. So well done to Yan.”