Plymouth Argyle: Wayne Rooney makes Michael Cooper claim as Coventry City, Sheffield United lurk | OneFootball

The Argyle boss believes his goalkeeper will still be at Home Park for the season ahead

Plymouth Argyle boss Wayne Rooney fully expects goalkeeper Michael Cooper to remain at the club, despite interest from Coventry City, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace.

Speaking to local outlet Plymouth Live, the Argyle boss stated that he has ‘no concerns’ about his number one’s future at the club as it stands, as his contract goes into its final year.

The shot-stopper is said to have rejected a deal to make him the highest paid player at the club earlier in the summer, which immediately sparked rumours of a move away from the club before the transfer window came to an end.

But after featuring in both pre-season games to date, and a bullish stance from his boss, it seems as if Cooper will be an Argyle player for the season ahead, in a massive boost to the Pilgrims ahead of their impending Championship campaign.

Wayne Rooney issues Plymouth Argyle, Michael Cooper stance amid Coventry City, Sheffield United interest

Interest had already circled around Cooper in the past, due to his top performances in goal for the Devon outfit during their time in League One, although a series of injuries has seen him spend lengthy spells on the sidelines of late.

The 24-year-old’s influence was plain to see when he returned to action during the previous campaign though, with his ability with ball at feet, as well as incredibly reflex saves, helping his side maintain their Championship status for another season.

And despite Coventry and Crystal Palace registering their interest, as well as Sheffield United, Rooney believes his first choice goalkeeper is fully onboard with his plans for the upcoming year at Home Park.

Speaking to Plymouth Live, the former Manchester United man said: “I see him being here. He's loving the work we are doing.

"The goalkeeper is really important to how I want to play. Himself and Conor (Hazard) have been fantastic in taking information in and starting attacks off for us.

"I believe he will be here. He's an Argyle player, I have seen no problems, I have had conversations about how we want to play, nothing about him playing elsewhere so I have no concerns really that he won't be here."

Michael Cooper key to Plymouth Argyle game plan

Not only is Cooper’s ability to command his area and repel the Football League’s finest attacking threat such a benefit while he is between the sticks, but his calmness in possession also adds another dimension to the Argyle blueprint.

Whether he is pinging longer balls to the flanks, or bowling out the ball for a quick counter-attack, the academy graduate’s speed of thought has proven to be massively influential during his time between the sticks, and Rooney has outlined his desire for his custodian to be a prominent feature in, and out of possession.

He continued: "I want the keepers to invite pressure. If you play through that pressure then you get your attacking players on the ball in more space.

"I think not just Coops but with Conor [Hazard] as well, they have really impressed me with how they deal with the ball, they are patient, how calm they are on the ball, and more importantly they are both very good goalkeepers who keep the ball out the back of the net!"

The glowing review from the ex-England international shows how highly Cooper is thought of by all at Home Park, and proves that everyone in Devon will be doing all they can to make sure he is still an Argyle player come September.