Ollie Cooper | I feel my confidence is returning

Swansea City's Ollie Cooper says he is growing in confidence every day and starting to get back to his best, after admitting he has had a challenging season.

The midfielder had a breakthrough season last term, achieving numerous personal milestones, but has found game time harder to come by during a campaign of change in SA1.

The Wales international has played out of position at times, featuring on the wing and at wing-back, but has recently returned to the starting XI in his favoured central attacking midfield role.

And the 23-year-old feels he is rediscovering his form under head coach Luke Williams, and is looking to end the season on a high - personally, and for the team - starting with a tricky test against relegation-threatened Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

“It’s really good being back in the team,” said Cooper.

“It’s been a long season, particularly for myself, I’ve been in and out of the team, playing in a number of positions, so it’s really nice to be back in.

“Obviously the team is performing well at the moment, which is good, and I feel like I’m slowly getting my confidence back, which is massive and I’m really enjoying being back out there on the pitch.

“At the end of the day, no matter where I am asked to play, all I want to do is be on that pitch. So, if it’s right wing, right-back or wherever, I’ll give my all.

“But I think, if I want to get the best out of myself, and to contribute the most, it’s more in those central roles, so to be back in there now is really good and I feel like I’m slowly getting back into my stride.

“I hope that can carry on this weekend. Huddersfield will be fighting, they’re in a position where they need to win, but we know if we go out with the right mindset and do what we’re good at we know we can win the game. 

"For us it’s about ending the season on a high. We want to build momentum to take into next season and we need to start that on Saturday.”

Aside from Williams' appointment as head coach in January, Cooper has had a lot of change off the pitch too, as he and his partner Tanwen welcomed daughter Neli to the world later that month.

“It’s been a season of change, but I think the way this gaffer has come in and the way he wants to play is more similar to how it was last year, which suits me a lot better,” Cooper added.

“He’s a great guy, he’s made an effort to get to know me and always asks how I’m getting on, and how my partner and little one are getting on.

"That’s massive, because he does care, and that makes you believe in yourself more, and you want to go out there and give it your all for him.

“I just want to play as many minutes as I can, and continue playing, get a few more wins and end the season in a good position.”