Cup goal "a dream come true" for Ollie Cooper
Ollie Cooper reflected on a “dream come true” after he scored his first senior goal in Swansea City’s 5-1 FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest.
The midfielder came off the bench to add the final goal of the afternoon as Steve Cooper’s side sealed a convincing win at the Liberty.
The 21-year-old, who has been part of the club since joining the academy at under-12 level, saw his low shot squirm under Forest keeper Jordan Smith in the 84th minute.
And it proved a moment to remember for Cooper.
“It's a great feeling - it's a dream come true,” said Cooper, who made his debut in the victory over Stevenage in the previous round.
“This is what you work towards - to get in the first team. To come on and score as well tops it off. It's what you dream of as a little kid - to be a footballer and score goals.
“Jamal (Lowe) had been on a driving run and the ball just popped up for me. I set myself, hit it and it's gone in. I was just over the moon and didn't know what to do afterwards. I didn't have anything planned; I need to start now!”
Cooper was on the scoresheet alongside fellow academy graduate Liam Cullen, who bagged a brace.
The youngster is one of a number of academy players to have been given an opportunity to shine under Steve Cooper
And Ollie Cooper is thankful for not only the chance to play in the first-team, but for the coaching and advice he’s been given along the way.
“My debut against Stevenage was a great moment, but I just want to play more. I want more minutes,” he added.
“To be given more time to show what I can do is nice and shows that the gaffer has trust in me.
“I've been on the bench a couple of times in the league and just waiting for the chance to come. I've been doing everything I can in training to make sure that when I get the chance, I'm ready. I think I did that on Saturday.
“It's nice to see that they trust me to come on and play in a game like this. The support I get is unbelievable.
“The step-up from the under-23s to the first team is obviously massive. But they've all helped me make that step and I just need to keep going now.”
