Steve Cooper believes Swansea City have played a major part in Wales’ Euro 2020 qualifying success – and predicts there will be benefits for the club.
The Swansea manager – who teams host Millwall tomorrow in the Championship – have provided three players during Ryan Giggs’ time in charge of the national side.
Connor Roberts, Joe Rodon and Declan John have all helped the national cause, which culminated in Tuesday night’s clinching 2-0 victory at home to Hungary.
Full-back Roberts started all bar one of Wales’ qualifying fixtures, while centre-back Rodon – currently out injured – made a big impression with his displays in home games against Azerbaijan and Croatia, and the trip to Slovakia.
John has also featured for Wales under Giggs and Cooper said: “We are very proud of them.
“It was a really good night for Connor to be involved in. I was there watching and it was a brilliant experience that everyone benefits from.
“The players get to say they were part of a squad that qualified and have a chance to play at a Euros.
“Wales have benefited from Connor, Joe and Declan playing their part and it makes them better players which helps us.
“Everybody is a winner from it, there’s an incentive for them in that a lot of players do not get the chance to go to a major tournament.
“Having worked in international football myself, what it really comes down to is qualifying and competing in tournaments.
“The fact they can do that on a really big stage is exciting for them. It comes with a responsibility too. There is a lot of football to be played but it’s something they can really look forward to.”
Swans players have also played a part in a successful international break across the Welsh age-grade system with a number of youngsters being part of wins for the under-21 and under-19 sides.
“We had a large number of players featuring for Wales across the age groups too,” added Cooper.
“It’s a good return. People might expect us to have a good number given there are only so many professional sides in Wales.
“But it shows we are serving the FAW well, I hope we can continue that because everyone benefits from it, particularly the players.”