Carlos Corberan has claimed that Leeds United captain Liam Cooper provides an excellent example for members of his U23s side.

The centre-back played 45 minutes for Corberan's side last night as part of his recovery from a recent injury and helped them to secure a 1-1 draw with Burnley U23s.

The Whites captain picked up a groin injury against West Bromwich Albion at the start of October and has not started for Marcelo Bielsa's first team since.

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It was originally predicted he would miss six weeks but Cooper appears to have recovered ahead of schedule and featured in the 0-0 draw with Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

The Scotsman has been an important figure under Marcelo Bielsa, making 38 appearances last season and starting every Championship game when fit in the 2019/20 campaign.

Speaking to LUTV after the game, Corberan praised the Leeds captain's impact on the younger players.

He said: "When the players arrive in the first team its because they have some skills and one of those skills is their competitive level. And I think Cooper is an example for the young guys.

“He’s always supporting the U23s. Cooper is always an example in every game and it’s positive for the young players to see how they (senior players) live the games and how they compete.

“Every time that the first-team players come with us, like Cooper today, they are showing why they are first-team players. They are very serious, trying to take advantage of the minutes to make sure they are more ready for the first-team while trying to help our young players.”

Cooper limped off at half-time yesterday but, in a Q&A for Leeds Live, it has been suggested that he may be ok ahead of the weekend.

Leeds will want him back for the visit of QPR on Saturday, as Mark Warburton's side are amongst the highest scorers in the division this season.

A win for the Whites could see them go top of the Championship, should results elsewhere go their way.

The Verdict

It's really encouraging to hear the positive impact that Cooper is having on the members of Corberan's U23s squad as it shows a real togetherness at the club.

I agree with the U23s boss on the importance of having the first-team players drop down and play with the younger players when available, as it will help them to recognise the level they need to be at to break into Bielsa's side.

After the Whites secured a clean sheet without Cooper against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, it will be interesting to see whether Bielsa looks to bring the captain back against QPR.