Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Howe praise for comeback man Cooper
BOSS Eddie Howe believes Shaun Cooper has a major role to play next season after the versatile star pledged his future to Cherries.[LNB] Howe also offered words of praise for Cooper's professional approach to training and he is hoping that work ethic is rewarded with a good campaign.[LNB] Comeback man Cooper battled back from major hip surgery to play his part at the end of Cherries' epic promotion season.[LNB] The gifted utility man has now ended speculation over his future by signing a new one-year deal at Dean Court.[LNB] And after Cooper returned to full fitness, Howe thinks the former Portsmouth player will be a key man in League One next term.[LNB] Howe told the Echo: Coops had a frustrating season in terms of he was out injured for a long part of it.[LNB] He came back at the back end of the season and performed like he'd never been away.[LNB] He deserves huge credit for coming back so fit and also I think we saw a different side to Coops in terms of how he looks after himself now.[LNB] He's very, very professional in how he prepares before training. Having such a serious injury like he did, he has had to adjust his training programme.[LNB] He's worked very, very hard during the summer to maintain his fitness and make sure he comes back in top shape. Hopefully, he'll have the season he deserves after the work he's put in.[LNB] With Cooper equally capable of operating in defence and midfield, Howe highlighted the importance of such versatility.[LNB] When asked how the utility man fitted into his plans, Howe said: I see him being versatile.[LNB] He played centre-half predominantly when he came back last season and I can also see him playing in front of the back four, pushing him on into midfield, and he can also play at right-back.[LNB] Like with a number of our players, versatility will be important to us. I wouldn't pigeon hole him into one position.[LNB] Howe added: He has many, many good attributes to his game. He's technically very good and he provides us with that composure and quality on the ball that you always want at the level we're going to.[LNB] He's going to play a massive part for us next season. We're delighted to have him back fit and hope that he can have perhaps more luck this season in staying fit.[LNB]
