Aston Villa star John McGinn has told STV that Leeds United captain Liam Cooper helped inspire Scotland’s comeback win over Norway on Saturday evening in Oslo – saying his leadership was key, his impact “frightening”.
Cooper, 31, came on to win his 16th Scotland cap on Saturday just moments after Erling Haaland had put Norway 2-1 into the lead. The Leeds skipper replaced Kieran Tierney, helping Scotland tighten up at the back in the victory.
Indeed, it was Lyndon Dykes that equalised on 87 minutes after a mistake in the Norway defence. Then, two minutes later, it was another substitute – in the form of Norwich City’s Kenny McLean – to complete a quick comeback.
Villa skipper McGinn spoke after the win in what was his 55th Scotland cap. He heaped praise on Cooper, sharing what the Leeds man said after coming on that helped inspire his teammates – praising his on-pitch influence.
“Coops is a leader, he has been captain of Leeds for a long time now. He came on and he was screaming ‘just one chance, we only need one chance’. And that just filtered through. I thought our subs were phenomenal.
“We played all right, we were in a good shape, we weren’t letting them create many chances but we weren’t doing anything in the game. Credit to every single sub, they were frightening,” McGinn said afterwards, as per STV.
Villa star McGinn Leeds captain Cooper inspired Scotland comeback
What a win it was for Scotland. What an image it was at full-time, Cooper bleeding from a cut just above his right eye but clearly overjoyed and celebrating with his teammates and fans. He is a crucial part of Steve Clarke’s side.
Indeed, Cooper could find himself at Euro 2024 next summer. Scotland are in a wonderful position to qualify after three wins from three, including victory over Spain thanks to a Scott McTominay brace. Cooper is getting better.
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