Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

Steve Cooper's Wayne Routledge future admission as Swansea City boss hails winger's 'brilliant' Reading outing

Steve Cooper has revealed he wants Wayne Routledge to stay at Swansea City beyond the current campaign.

The experienced winger netted two goals in the Swans' 4-1 triumph over Reading at the Madejski Stadium on Wednesday night, a result which - coupled with Nottingham Forest's hefty defeat to Stoke City - saw Cooper's men clinch a Championship play-off spot.

He recently signed a short-term contract extension to remain at the Liberty Stadium until the end of the protracted 2019/20 season.

However, it means Routledge could yet leave south Wales in the not-too-distant future given his deal is due to expire following the conclusion of the current campaign.

But Cooper says he's keen for Routledge to extend his stay into what would be the 35-year-old's 10th season at Swansea.

When asked if he wants Routledge to stay on, Cooper responded: "I would like him to stay, no doubt about that. I still think he has assets to offer and it's not just because of what he did the other night, although that was brilliant.

"He can still produce. You do need experience around, and he obviously oozes that.

"He looks after the other players as well. Having him around is a definite positive.

"With all of the boys who are out-of-contract and possible ins and outs, when something is signed and sealed we'll let you know.

"Wayne and everybody else is just really focused on the next two games. Everything else after that will take care of itself.

"But I love having Wayne around. Long may it continue."

Routledge was withdrawn shortly after scoring the second of his two goals in Berkshire on Wednesday night due to injury.

However, Cooper has said the winger - along with centre-back Mike van der Hoorn - will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness ahead of Sunday's first leg semi-final play-off clash with Brentford at the Liberty Stadium.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.