Millwall defender is closing in on impressive milestone – as boss jokes about resting him

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Millwall defender Jake Cooper is closing in on 100 consecutive Championship starts – with boss Gary Rowett describing his playing record as “fantastic”.

The Lions centre-back has played every minute this season for the Lions.

But Cooper has also been an ever-present since November 2017 – a run of 92 matches.

Rowett joked to the South London Press: “I might rest him on 99 – just to be mean.

“It’s a fantastic record so far. It’s very unusual. He’s obviously a robust and resilient player. Let’s hope we can get him through another 95.

“He’s a good player. We’re going to need players who are robust and can get through games.

“You can look at some of those games and think someone that size and physique might need a little breather, but you just keep ploughing through.

“Players just want to play. They’d rather play than train.”

See our paper today for an exclusive interview with Cooper as he talks about targeting 100 consecutive Championship matches.