Liam Cooper is looking forward to playing in the Premier League 2 Division 2 clash against Southampton on Friday evening, for Michael Skubala’s Under-21s side. 

The Leeds United captain will be involved in the match against the Saints at Elland Road, as they look to continue their impressive start to the campaign.

With Jesse Marsch’s first-team having two fixtures postponed, some senior players from his squad will now look to get vital minutes prior to the upcoming international break.

“This is probably my first full week of training, this week,” Cooper explained, after returning from injury.

“I think we are playing a strong team on Friday night after the current postponements. So, the Under-21s team is a good chance for us to get some minutes.

“I am looking forward to it and looking forward to being back, helping the team as much as I can.

“We’re on our next run of games now, I know it’ll be a few weeks until we get to kick a ball again in the Premier League but it is what it is now.

“We’ve been working hard this week and hopefully for the boys who haven’t been playing as much, they will get a run out on Friday and it will be good to get some minutes into our legs!”

The skipper was asked about his role in captaining the side and what he can do to help others, whether that be on or off the pitch, ahead of Friday’s match and thereafter.

He said: “First and foremost, try to be an example.

“We have a fairly young squad, sprinkled with a bit of experience, so I try to be a good example and apply myself every day to bring the best out of people.

“Whether that is through the way I apply myself, or being there as that shoulder to lean on when the boys need it.

“We have a great group, a very close group, that makes it all a lot easier and there are also a lot of leaders in this group."