Swansea City boss Steve Cooper has urged George Byers to take example from teammate Joe Rodon, after being ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Byers, 23, has been ruled out until the summer after spraining his ankle in the weekend defeat to Derby County.

The Swans had come from a goal behind to lead 2-1 after the hour-mark last Saturday, but conceded two second-half goals and eventually lost the bout 3-2.

Cooper's side then welcomed QPR last night, and were left frustrated after a 0-0 draw.

Speaking to www.swanseacity.com about Byers' injury, Cooper said:

“It’s disappointing for George, it’s a blow. I’ve just seen him, he’s a lively character around the place and he’s a bit down in the dumps.

“It’s a pity for him and for us, we had spoken about him not being seen as a young player anymore. He had taken that on board and was taking responsibility, on and off the pitch."

The Scot has been an ever-present in Cooper's Championship side this season having played in all but three of the club's league games, and scoring two goals.

Cooper then singled out Byers' Swansea teammate Rodon as an example of how to deal with a long-term lay-off, and how to recover:

“It’s a different test for him now, and I have already referenced Joe Rodon to him, and what Joe was like during his rehab, and how he has come back," explained Cooper.

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“We will support him, commit to his recovery and make sure he is in better shape than ever for pre-season.”

Rodon was sidelined back in October after requiring surgery on an ankle injury, but has this month returned to the starting line-up.

The verdict

Byers is a good player and Cooper is right to point him in the direction of Rodon. The Welshman has slotted seamlessly into the Swansea line-up after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and if Byers can follow suit then he'll be ready and raring to go by the start of next season.