Joel Cooper ‘ready’ for move to next level as Oxford United close in on Linfield ace

Joel Cooper could complete a transfer from Linfield to Oxford United this week - and his former manager, Gary Hamilton, is confident the playmaker can make a mark across the water.
Linfield's Joel Cooper. Pic by PressEye Ltd.Linfield's Joel Cooper. Pic by PressEye Ltd.
Linfield's Joel Cooper. Pic by PressEye Ltd.

Speculation increased over the weekend that Cooper will prove the latest Irish League export into English football, with Oxford considered in the driving seat to secure the signature of the coveted 24-year-old.

Shrewsbury Town have also been linked to a deal for Cooper but it is understood negotiations with Oxford have gathered pace and he could follow Mark Sykes and Gavin Whyte from Northern Ireland in representing the League One outfit.

Figures posted by Cooper of 13 goals and 17 assists across 42 appearances last season for Danske Bank Premiership champions Linfield confirm to Hamilton the player is ready to continue his rise.

“When we signed Joel from Ballyclare and gave him that chance in the top flight it was because we felt he had everything to step up a level,” said Glenavon boss Hamilton, who snapped up Cooper in 2015 and worked with the player across two spells at the Lurgan club. “He showed that was the case with Glenavon and his numbers since making the switch to Linfield confirm more progress.

“He has proven an ability to adapt and adjust to each challenge so I’m certain when any move to England does happen that Joel is ready to again push on.

“Joel has pace and is direct plus increased at Linfield his statistics in terms of delivering goals and assists.

“Hopefully Joel gets a move that can help him continue to develop his career.

“We have seen with Oxford United signing Gavin Whyte from Crusaders then Mark from us at Glenavon they are keen to look at the Northern Ireland market and Joel shares the same drive and attitude as those two, so I’m convinced he has the attributes to make it.”

Any move by Cooper could lead to increased interest from Linfield in a return to Glenavon and a deal for Josh Daniels.

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