Liam Cooper got through his return game with the Under-23s on Monday evening, despite some fans’ concern after he was subbed off in the 65th minute.
That seems like it was all part of the plan, as Cooper sent out a message to Leeds fans after the game.
The centre-back, who hasn’t played for the Leeds first-team since the win against Sheffield United at the start of December, said he had a “good run out”.
He also added that there was some real talent coming through from the Under-23 side and said, “Well done men”.
Good run out with the U23s tonight.. Some real talent coming through.. Well done men ?? @LUFC pic.twitter.com/AlVIS3Mkok
— Liam Cooper (@LiamCooper__) January 7, 2019
OPINION
It was great to see Cooper make his comeback in the Under-23s win against Hull last night, and he doesn’t seem to have had a problem as he played 65 minutes of the game. Will he play for the senior team on Friday against Derby? It’s a massive game for Leeds who have lost three games on the spin and are in desperate need of a result. We think that Marcelo Bielsa will be very sorely tempted to put him straight back in, but it will depend on his fitness. The last thing that Leeds need is for him to suffer a setback and we know that Bielsa prefers his returning players to play at least twice in the Under-23s before being launched back into the Championship. The return of Cooper would solve a real problem in the side though and would free up Kalvin Phillips to return to his preferred position in defensive midfield. Friday’s game is going to be a real test of the Leeds credentials. A win would be fantastic, a loss would really start talk of the wheels coming off.