‘Major weapon’ – Reading interim assistant boss knows all about Jake Cooper’s threat as he bags Millwall winner

Michael Gilkes described Jake Cooper as a “major weapon” after the Millwall centre-back popped up with the winner once again.

Cooper has scored back-to-back goals for the Lions, who are on a five-match winning run for the first time since 2012.

Reading interim assistant manager Gilkes said: “I’ve known Jake Cooper since he was 11-12 years old. He’s a good lad, he’s a weapon in both boxes. Defensively outstanding and especially in attacking boxes he causes problems.

“You’ve seen it. He scored last week, how do you mark him? We’re not the only club that will struggle because if you put one on him, go zonal, put two on him, he seems to find a way to get on the end of it. He’s a major, major weapon for Millwall Football Club.

“We just lacked that bit of quality in the last third. Performance-wise today was very positive but we did struggle to break Millwall down in the most crucial part, which is their goal.

“One of Millwall’s strengths is set-pieces, they had seven opportunities today – six of those were set-pieces. They had one shot which then led to corner, then led to the goal.

“They are extremely good at it. Jake Cooper is a threat in both boxes as we knew. We prepared as best we could and that was the difference today.

“It just didn’t go right for us today, it sometimes was opportunities that we had and didn’t take advantage of. There will be games coming up where we will.

“Today didn’t go for us, that little bit of detail in the last third we didn’t have enough to open them up. Defensively, they’re a very good side and very consistent at what they do as well.”