Liam Cooper has given his thoughts to LUTV, after returning to training at Thorp Arch. 

The skipper has been impressed with the way the side have returned to pre-season training, speaking highly of his teammates and their dedication to keeping fitness levels up over the summer.  

“Yeah good, enjoying it!” Cooper explained on pre-season so far. 

“As everyone can imagine, it is tough. The boys have had a good rest but come back and hit the ground running.

“They’ve stuck to their programmes in the off-season and yeah, we’re fit! The manager is always wanting us to be fitter, but everyone is in great shape to be fair. 

“I think it is always essential to be in top shape, that’s the way the football world is nowadays.  

“The international lads have been coming back in dribs and drabs, the better they did in the tournament the later they come back.

“We’re ready to go, the manager wants his squad together so we can work on what we need to put right from last season, so we’re looking forward to it.” 

Cooper spent time away on international duty over the summer, representing Scotland at Euro 2020. Despite going out in the group stage, the Whites captain enjoyed the experience. 

He said: "I made a pact to myself to try take everything in. I played the first game and it wasn’t the best result, then I wasn’t in the team.  

“I tried to take an experience from it and enjoy it as much as I could. The euphoria around every game was massive, everything was unbelievable. 

“I took it all in and really enjoyed it, the Scotland lads are a great bunch and that made it great as well. 

“We got in and around each other, we were close to getting through but we bumped into a very good Croatia team and it was still all to play for. 

“We were gutted, but hopefully that’s the start for us and we can make major tournaments again." 

Now looking ahead to the Premier League campaign getting back underway next month, Cooper is ready for the competitive matches to kick off with the return of fans to support the side.  

“I think as a professional you’re always ready, always focused,” he explained. 

“If there was a Premier League game tomorrow we would be up for it, we’d be tactically aware and up to speed. 

“It’s just nice to get back together with the boys and have that aim. Pre-season matches start soon so that is good preparation for us and it’s just excitement.

“The fans will be back as well which I think everyone has missed more than anything. I can’t wait to hear them, hopefully we get plenty of tickets at Old Trafford and that barmy lot can cheer us on and hopefully get a good result.”