Newcastle Jets have added young Australian attacker Travis Cooper to their squad for the remainder of the Hyundai A-League 2014/15 season.
The tall 21-year-old can play as a striker or right-winger and arrives in Newcastle having spent three years with Dutch side VVV Venlo.
Cooper has represented Australia at Under 20, Under 22 and Under 23 level. Indeed, in November last year Cooper scored for the Australian Under 22 team against China at the ‘Wuhan City of Automobile’ International Youth Football Tournament.
After a recent injury to local winger James Virgili, Jets Head Coach Phil Stubbins moved to add Cooper to his squad.
“Travis is a exciting player who has had the challenge of living overseas and no doubt that has helped him grow up and improve,” Stubbins said. “He is now looking to fulfil his potential and establish himself in the Hyundai A-League.”
“He has had some great experience and feedback in the national youth set-up and we see him as almost a like-for-like replacement for James [Virgili]. He can play wide right, he’s dynamic and quick and I am pleased there is young Australian boy available to sign in that mould.”
“It is good to bring some new energy into the squad. No doubt Travis will be eager to show what he can do and prove he can be a future Hyundai A-League player.”
Cooper said he is pleased to arrive in Newcastle and is looking forward to playing in the Hyundai A-League.
“It’s great to be back in Australia. I know that playing in the [Hyundai] A-League is going to be a massive challenge, but I do not shy away from challenges and I am looking forward to it,” Cooper said.
“Living on my own in Holland was a great experience – the Dutch style of play is very tactical and technical and I think my game has improved a lot in those aspects.”
“I want to show the Jets fans that I am a hard-working, determined player. I like one-on-ones and taking on my man, but first and foremost I am a team player and I want to help the Jets do well and get some results,” he concluded.
Cooper may feature for the Jets against Brisbane Roar this Friday night when the Club hosts the Queenslanders at Hunter Stadium. Kick-off is at 7:40pm.
Newcastle Jets vs. Brisbane Roar – Hyundai A-League 2014/15 Round 16
Friday 6 February 2015
Hunter Stadium, Newcastle
Kick-off: 7:40pm
Tickets: Please click here to purchase tickets to the match.
Twitter: Join the match conversation using #NEWvBRI @NewcastleJetsFC
