The Leeds captain missed the last three league games due to injury, but he did return to the line-up in his side’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Crawley Town in the FA Cup at the weekend.

 

Cooper is expected to start when Leeds take on Brighton at Elland Road on Saturday and the defender is happy to be available again after a short spell on the sidelines with a niggling injury.

 

 

He admits that it was frustrating to miss the last three league games, but insisted that the hard work he put in meant that he did not lose any fitness or match sharpness.

 

The centre-back is now looking forward to leading the Leeds side out against at Elland Road on Saturday.

 

 

The Leeds skipper told LUTV: “It was, yes [frustrating].

 

“Of course, getting injured at any time of the season is difficult, but you have just got to get your head down, let it heal and work hard.

 

 

“It has been tough for me, but I have not lost any fitness and it was good to get 45 minutes in a disappointing game at the weekend.

 

“All our eyes are on the weekend now and we are looking forward to that.”

 

Cooper has made eleven appearances in the Premier League this season and is one of the first names on the team sheet when fit.