One to Watch #49: Liam Cooper

Last updated : 09 June 2010 By Dan Buxton

                                                                  cooper

Name: Liam Cooper

Date of Birth: 30th August 1991

Position: Centre Back

Club: Hull

International caps: Scotland U16 5(0)

                                  Scotland U17 6(0)

                                  Scotland U19 6(0)

Cooper is a promising centre back who, despite being only 18, has already made his Premier League debut and played for Scotland U19's.

After joining Hull aged 12 Cooper progressed through the ranks and was the clubs youth player of the year in 2007/8. He was also involved in the team that won the Youth Alliance Cup and, in an eventful final for the defender, he scored before later being sent off for deliberate handball as the young Tigers won 3-0.

Following that success he was involved with the first team for the first time and was heavily involved in the club's pre-season schedule, being involved in all but one game as Hull readied themselves for their first ever season in the top flight.

He made his debut days before his 17th birthday in a Carling Cup tie against Swansea and then signed a deal before the league game against Everton, shortly after turning 17, and was included on the bench many times as the season went on.

He had to wait until 2009/10 to make a second appearance and, after a couple of starts in the Carling Cup, he made his league debut as Hull were beaten 6-1 by Liverpool at Anfield.

A succession of injuries stunted his progress throughout this season but he did return to play a small part as the season drew to a close and Hull were relegated to the Championship.

Cooper signed a three year deal in March and will be hoping to stay injury free and force his way into the Tigers side this coming season.