By David Williams
Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper hopes Jonjo Shelvey can play a key role in helping secure Premier League survival – and keep a Welsh managerial presence in the top flight.
Former Swansea City chief Cooper is the only remaining Welsh manager in the Premier League after the sacking of Nathan Jones at Southampton last month.
Pontypridd-raised coach Cooper took Forest up from the Championship last season after two seasons at the Swansea.com Stadium.
Midfielder Shelvey – another ex-Swan – was a January deadline-day signing from Newcastle and will have a reunion with his former club on Friday night.
The 31-year-old has taken his time to get going at the City Ground, having made five appearances so far, but Cooper expects him to be important between now and the end of the season.
“We knew that when we signed Jonjo, the player that we were getting and maybe where else he could have gone as well,” Cooper said.
“So we’re looking forward with him, he’s settled in well. He’s probably a little bit feeling like all of us, really eager to get this whole thing together in terms of performances.
“But he’s shown good commitment to how we want to be and I have no doubt that the contribution over the run in will be a positive one.”
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