By Paul Jones
Conor Hourihane has heaped praise on Swansea City head coach Steve Cooper, having made an immediate impact following his loan move from Aston Villa.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder has played two games since dropping down from the Premier League to gain more match action – the FA Cup victory over Nottingham Forest and the midweek 1-1 draw at home to Brentford.
Now, comes Hourihane’s first away trip with the Swans who will look to keep a gap between themselves in second place and the Championship’s chasing pack in the play-off places, by winning at Rotherham.
Hourihane has revealed that his hunch over the wisdom of leaving Villa has been vindicated by his early impressions of Cooper – the former World Cup-winning England U17 coach, who took Swansea to the play-offs last season and now has them eyeing automatic promotion.
“He’s been fantastic and I can’t speak highly enough of him,” says Hourihane of Cooper.
“Firstly, when he got me down here, he spoke to me about his ideas and how he thinks about the game. Since I’ve been here, just as a human being, he’s been top class.
“When you move club, you have to adapt to a new manager and a new style of play, you have to be open minded, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make it work here.
“It’s a fantastic club and everyone has been so warm to me, they couldn’t have done more to make me feel welcome.
“It’s been a great start as well, a 5-1 win last weekend and to gain a point against Brentford and for me to get off the mark with a goal is brilliant because that’s why the club have brought me in – to get goals and assists and to make the difference.”
Hourihane’s goal against Brentford had the hallmark of his Premier League quality – a pinpoint free-kick from the right that caused just enough panic in the visitors’ defence that it ended up committing no-one fully enough before going in.
The 29-year-old’s last goal was back in September – in a 3-0 Villa win at Fulham, but that was a rare appearance in the Premier League this season.
In fact, Hourihane had played more games for Ireland this season than he had for Dean Smith’s Villa, so he believed a move was essential and it was just a case of choosing the right club.
“As a player I want to play games. I could have taken the easy option and sat on the bench at Villa, but I want to be a part of something, and nights like the other night when you nick a point and have the buzz in the dressing room is brilliant.
“I’m feeling fine, hopefully over time I’ll get stronger and fitter. I wasn’t at my best against Brentford, but I can still make a difference from set-pieces which is great.
“The team spirit here is clear to see and I’ve only been here for a week. The dressing room was buzzing after Wednesday because we know that could be a massive point.
“It’s a great sign that we’ve been able to mix it both ways. I know the gaffer wants to play good football and we showed that last week when we won 5-1 but sometimes you can’t do that.
“On an ugly night where the other team is playing some good stuff, you have to mix it as well.
“I heard someone in the dressing room say that we would have lost that game last year which shows that the squad is learning from the experience of last season and picking up points.”
Hourihane can also offer the Swans the knowledge of previous travels in their intended direction towards promotion.
He was part of the Villa side who reached the Premier League in 2018-19 – albeit through the play-offs – despite being 11th in the table with only 12 regular-season games remaining.
“Anyone can beat anyone in this league, you just have to look at what Rotherham did in the week, going to Middlesbrough and beating them 3-0.
“Anything can happen, but the top six have to look out because there’s always someone who comes from the chasing pack.
“We had to mix it and match it when we went up with Villa, it was a little bit different as we were mid table for long periods, and we went on an incredible run and won 10 games in a row.
“I’m looking forward to the months again. You never know, you can’t write anyone off, but I’m delighted we’re up there in the mix.”