Liam Cooper returned from a groin injury to make his comeback for Championship hopefuls Leeds United during a reserve clash with Burnley at Elland Road.
Leeds United coach Carlos Corberan was full of praise for Liam Cooper after the skipper turned out for the U23s during Monday night’s clash with Burnley, pointing out that the Scotland international is an example for each and every budding talent at Elland Road.
Cooper has started just one of Leeds’ last four Championship games due to a groin injury he picked up in the 1-0 win against West Brom and, in an attempt to build up his fitness ahead of a return to action, he featured for the reserves when Burnley arrived in West Yorkshire last night.
The 28-year-old was subbed off just before the break to spark further concerns about his fitness ahead of Saturday’s home clash with QPR, but Corberan was still full of praise for the captain despite his limited time on the pitch.
“When the players arrive in the first team its because they have some skills and one of those skills is their competitive level. And I think Cooper is an example for the young guys,” Corberan told LUTV of Cooper, who started alongside Ollie Casey and Pascal Struijk at the back.
“He’s always supporting the U23s. Cooper is always an example in every game and it’s positive for the young players to see how they (senior players) live the games and how they compete.
“Every time that the first-team players come with us, like Cooper today, they are showing why they are first-team players. They are very serious, trying to take advantage of the minutes to make sure they are more ready for the first-team while trying to help our young players.”
Leeds conceded just one goal in their last three Championship games without Cooper in the team, keeping clean sheets against both Birmingham and Sheffield Wednesday, with Ben White standing out alongside the returning Gaetano Berardi.
But expect Cooper to walk straight back into the team when he is back to full fitness.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
