NEWPORT County AFC loan star Brandon Cooper has suffered injury misfortune after being recalled by Swansea City.

The defender, who turned 21 on Thursday, headed back to the Liberty Stadium after the Championship club were hit by injuries at the back.

Cooper was looking to press for first team involvement after a hugely impressive spell in Newport.

The Wales Under-21s international was a key figure in the promotion push, making 25 appearances and being a starter whether one of three centre-backs or in a four.

Cooper was impressing in his bid to feature for the Swans, who are second in the Championship, but will now be sidelined for a number of months after a training ground injury.

“It is really unfortunate, and we are disappointed for Brandon because he has come back with real confidence and been working really well with the group,” said manager Steve Cooper.

“We are gutted for him, as much as anything else, and it was so innocuous.

“He was doing what he does, going to the ball defensively, and he suffered an ankle injury and is currently in a boot.

“He will see a specialist to see the extent of it.”