Cooper | We really believe in Ben Cabango

Steve Cooper has reiterated his belief in Ben Cabango following his first-team breakthrough in the Championship, and encouraged the young defender to keep his head down and stay focused.

Cabango has made six appearances for the Swans in all competitions this season, including his first two Championship starts in the recent home double header against Blackburn and Middlesbrough.

The 19-year-old centre-half, who has been with the club since he was 14, was promoted to the senior squad ahead of this season, before making his debut in August’s Carabao Cup win over Northampton at the Liberty.

He also produced an assured performance in the third-round defeat by Premier League side Watford at Vicarage Road, as well as on his Championship debut as a second-half substitute against Huddersfield last month.

Cooper believes the Wales Under-21 international has plenty of potential to fulfil, but has highlighted the importance of not looking too far ahead.

“We think Ben is a player with high potential,” the Swans head coach said.

“We identified early when we took him to our pre-season camp that we felt his best programme this year would be to stay with the first team and develop in our coaching programme. He’s done that.

“He dipped his toe in the water with the League Cup games and Watford was a real test for him – playing the way he did against two Premier League strikers. That gave us even more confidence in him and it was just a matter of time before he got his opportunity.

“Even before he played these games, I said we really believe in him and that’s he’s a player for the future.

“Our job and his job now is to make sure he keeps his head down and doesn’t look too far past the next training session and next game. We think that’s the best way to do it.”