THE SECRET SCOUT: Plymouth goalkeeper Michael Cooper is strong under pressure and can use his feet but needs to fill out a bit more
- The 21-year-old first caught the eye during a loan spell at non-league Truro
- The Secret Scout watched him in a league game and he had all the requisites
- Manager Ryan Lowe kept faith in him despite a recent six match losing streak
Our scout is a top football expert who attends matches each week searching for the next star.
Here is his verdict on Plymouth’s Michael Cooper for Sportsmail…
Goalkeeper Michael Cooper first caught the eye during a loan spell at non-league Truro
WHAT HAS HE GOT?
Several years ago I saw this young goalkeeper give a mature performance in a youth game and I noted his name.
After a loan spell in tougher football at Truro, he is now between the posts for Plymouth in League One.
I watched him recently on an evening when I hoped he would be busy. When called upon, he brilliantly pushed a close-range header over the bar. He had to field several back passes and his footwork was accurate.
At 21, he has all the requisites.
When he got battered on a high cross, he was strong under pressure and punched clear.
The 21-year-old has retained his place despite Plymouth’s recent poor run of form
WHAT DOES HE NEED?
Quite tall, he needs to fill out a bit more, but he will do.
He conceded two goals on this occasion, but one was a penalty and the other he could do nothing about.
Plymouth had a poor spell recently, losing six league games in a row.
But Cooper retained his place, suggesting manager Ryan Lowe has faith in him.