Steve Cooper | We stood up to be counted

Steve Cooper felt his side had stood up to be counted as they came from a goal down to earn a hard-earned point against Preston at Deepdale.

The hosts – boasting the best home record in the Championship – took the lead against the run of play through Scott Sinclair.

But the Swans responded and hit back when Rhian Brewster converted from close range after Andre Ayew had been denied.

The visitors looked the more dangerous side but it ended all-square, with Cooper proud of the character his side showed at a venue where the Lilywhites have proved such formidable opponents.

"We never come into these away games thinking can we get a draw, we always want to win, but respect to Preston, they've got a good home record," said the Swans head coach.

"We go 1-0 down completely against the run of play and you've got to stand up and be counted.

“We’ve got young players in the team and you can easily get affected by that.

“You are playing well, looking like you are going to take the lead, but we bounced back quite quickly.

"I thought the second half wasn't quite like the first half. It was a bit end-to-end and we turned the ball over a bit too much for my liking.

“But, at the same time, we got into some good positions. Bersant (Celina) got into some good positions and will be disappointed not to get his shot away. when he was through.

“At the same time, he's done brilliantly down the left and almost found Andre Ayew's head.

"It was a case of nearly, in the second half, but we do need to focus on the positives and there were a lot today."