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Tom Coleman

Swansea City news as Russell Martin in disbelief at Cooper World Cup decision and Robinson makes Colwill argument

Here's your round-up of all the latest Swansea City news for Thursday, November 10.

Martin surprised at Cooper exclusion

Swansea City boss Russell Martin says he's disappointed to see in-form youngster Ollie Cooper overlooked by Wales boss Rob Page.

Cooper was a key omission from the 26-man World Cup squad named in Tylorstown, despite producing a string of impressive performances for the Swans in the Championship.

READ MORE: Swansea City's Russell Martin admits 'mistakes' were made over Joe Allen's injury and reveals his anger

Martin is adamant Cooper was worthy of a place on the plane to Qatar, and suggested the uncapped 22-year-old was in fact more deserving than some of the other picks made by Page.

"I'm really gutted for Ollie. Just really disappointed. Really disappointed," Martin said ahead of this weekend's trip to Huddersfield Town.

"If I was Wales manager he'd be going. If you look at the squad, does he deserve to go on merit and performance, without naming any individuals, over other players in the squad? Then yeah. I would say so. But I'm not the Wales manager.

"There will be a load of Wales fans breathing a sigh of relief that I'm not the Wales manager. But I can't really comment on why he's not in the squad.

"If I was Wales manager, would he go? 100 per cent.

"Are there 20,000 people that come watch him here every week that believe he should be in the squad? Yes. The fact he's got himself so close, he should be immensely proud of. He's come from nowhere in terms of not being considered to being on standby.

"Rob Page has gone for loyalty over a lot of players and I understand that. But I'm not sure Ollie could have done much more than he has done to be involved. So I'm disappointed for him. But he might be needed at some point. There might be injuries at some point, and he'll be ready.

"But if not, he needs to use it as fuel to make sure it never happens again and he's in the squad for many years to come."

Martin has also confirmed he didn't speak to Page about Cooper's omission.

"No. We didn't speak on Ollie, no," he said.

When asked if he was surprised not to be given the opportunity to discuss the matter, Martin simply replied "Yes".

Robbo bemoans Cooper call

Former Swansea City winger Andy Robinson is among those who believe Ollie Cooper was unlucky to miss out on a place in Rob Page's World Cup squad.

The 43-year-old took to Twitter shortly after Wales announced their squad to express his disappointment at the decision, suggesting Cooper was perhaps more worthy of a place than Cardiff City counterpart Rubin Colwill.

Colwill has started just once for Cardiff in the league this season, while Cooper has emerged as an important player under Russell Martin.

Taking to Twitter, Robinson wrote: "Feel for ollie cooper been absolutely superb this season & is in form too. cant get me head round rubin colwill decision?? Before ollie ?"

Cabango credits Martin for World Cup place

Ben Cabango thanked Russell Martin for the faith the Swansea City head coach has shown in the defender following his inclusion in Wales' World Cup squad.

The centre-back endured a tough summer and missed his country's entire June schedule due to injury having also been in and out of the Swansea side in the opening half of last term.

However, he returned to the international fold in September and played against Poland in the Nations League - earning his fifth cap in the process.

Ahead of the Swans' Championship contest with Huddersfield Town, Cabango - along with Swans team-mate Joe Allen - was included in Rob Page's 26-man squad for the Qatar tournament, and the academy product revealed he has been flooded with messages of congratulations following the news that he will be on the plane to Doha next week.

"It's wicked, honestly. It's what you dream of," he said. "I keep saying it, I've been working hard here to try and put myself in the best spot to get chosen and I feel like I've done that. I've got the spot in Qatar and it's an amazing feeling.

"I've had a few messages from everyone who have been so supportive and it means so much.

"I got told by the gaffer just before the Birmingham game, so I had to keep it quiet, but it's different when you see the squad, seeing your name up there, it's unreal.

"Russell Martin congratulated me, and I need to thank him, just how much he's helped me through this period."

Get your brilliant 48-page Wales at the World Cup preview special

Ntcham gets World Cup call

Olivier Ntcham has been named in Rigobert Song's 26-man Cameroon squad for the upcoming World Cup.

The Swansea City forward has won just two previous caps for the Indomitable Lions having previously come through the age grades of the France set-up.

He will join Swans team-mates Joe Allen and Ben Cabango in appearing at the tournament in Qatar.

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