Russell Martin | Withdrawing Ollie Cooper was just precaution

Swansea City head coach Russell Martin has confirmed that his decision to withdraw Ollie Cooper at half-time against Middlesbrough was just a precaution and he’s hopeful of having him back for Tuesday.

The academy product took a knock midway through the first half and, while he could have continued, the Swans boss felt it was best to make sure he was right for games against Millwall and Bristol City ahead of the international window.

And Martin believes the midfielder has done enough with his performances since the World Cup to earn positive news from Wales manager Rob Page when the squad is announced for matches in March.

“He had a knock, he wasn't quite himself after he got a kick in the first half,” Martin said.

"He felt he could go on but it just wasn't worth risking. He wasn't able to produce his best performance after he took a big whack.

"It was a bit of a precaution really. We've got two really important games coming up and obviously there's the Wales squad announcement as well which we hope he'll be in so when you weigh up the risk, it makes sense.

“Ollie’s been great. I’m not the Wales manager so it’s not up to me, but we all hope he gets in [the squad]. He’s been brilliant, absolutely brilliant so fingers crossed he gets in.”