Brandon eyes further progress after fine season

Brandon Cooper had a number of moments to savour during the 2018-19 campaign, but the Swansea City Under-23s' defender only has eyes for the road ahead rather than that already travelled ahead of the new season.

The 19-year-old defender made his first-team bow - and looked assured - in the Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace back in August.

He went on to be a regular for the under-23s, and also helped the under-19 side secure a 10th FAW Youth Cup title in a row thanks to victory over The New Saints.

It meant Cooper - who was part of the Wales Under-21 squad that recently played two games against Albania - finished the season happy with his progress, but determined to make sure he does not rest on his laurels.

"We are all here to play for the first team and so to get that experience was a huge for me and probably the highlight of the season," he said.

"I look at guys like Joe Rodon and Cian Harries, who I have played with, and I see them going on and getting game time under the belt and you just want more of it.

"I had quite short notice that I was going to have that chance against Crystal Palace, but I was so proud to pull on that white shirt.

"But I cannot get ahead of myself, it is one game and that does not make a career. I need to keep improving and keep getting better.

"I have loved playing for the under-23s and I feel I am making strides, and it meant an awful lot to me to help the club make it 10 in a row in the FAW Youth Cup.

"So it was a memorable season, but I hope there I plenty more to come for club and country."