Leicester City (A) | Cooper's Preview
There is a familial link in the Cooper household ahead of Saturday’s game at Leicester City – but there are to be no divided loyalties.
Argyle goalkeeper Michael Cooper has come through the Argyle Academy, and reached 150 appearances for the club last weekend in the 2-1 win against Stoke City, but his parents have affinity with the Foxes.
“My mum and dad are from Leicester,” said Michael. “They moved down, originally to Plymouth, 30 years ago now, and then they went up the road to Exeter.
“At Filbert Street, Mum and Dad were season-ticket holders for God knows how long, and still now they go to a few games with their friends who still in Leicester. It's a club I've always supported as well. It's always been my second team; I’ve been and watched them a few times.
“I can't wait to go to the King Power and play, but everyone's a Pilgrim on Saturday. We've got no problem about that.”
Leicester are top of the Sky Bet Championship after 19 games, having been relegated from the top flight last season.
City won the Premier League as recently as the 2015/16 season, and their squad contains a plethora of well-known names and internationals.
The task ahead of Argyle this Saturday is clearly a steep one, but Cooper says it is one they are relishing.
He said: “It's fair to say you have to have a different mindset and approach going into these games against tougher teams with Premier League experience. That doesn’t mean to say that you're going to roll over and give them the win, but you have to set up differently to how you might at home against Stoke, [for example].
“I just get really excited, to be fair. Coming through here - League Two, League One - you don't really think you'd be in the first team in the Championship playing against the likes of Leicester and Leeds.
“I just try and take it all in my stride. If we get a result, it's a bonus, but the experience I'll get from Saturday will put me in good stead for the future.”
Cooper’s milestone appearance on Saturday coincided with fellow Academy graduate Adam Randell reaching his 100th game for Argyle, and the midfielder marked it not only with his first goal at Home Park, but the winning goal deep into injury time.
Mike was pleased to reach his landmark number, but equally pleased for his team-mate to mark his in style.
“I sat on 142 for quite a while, with 150 around the corner, but I finally got to that,” said Cooper. “Another one ticked off feels good; I'm just looking forward to it in 200 now.
“On [Adam’s] 100th game he scored his first goal here, which is what he's wanted to do for so long. It’s something he will never forget - I won't forget it either. For us to both hit milestones on the same day was pretty cool, and to get three points, and the way we did it out there was even more special.”
