NICKY Ajose is a player who last season graced both sides of tomorrow’s clash between Swindon Town and Peterborough United, excelling for both.

In his loan spell at the County Ground the speedy forward hit 10 goals in 21 games, adding seven more upon his return to London Road.

Ajose impressed enough that he was snapped up by Leeds United this summer but has only made two appearances as managerial changes have blighted his progress.

Cooper would have liked to sign Ajose himself at the end of his loan spell but the club could not afford the fee for the striker.

When the Town boss’ friend Dave Hockaday asked for a reference from Cooper on Ajose he was provided with a glowing report.

Now with 23-year-old languishing out of the picture at Elland Road, Cooper is disappointed that his former charge is not getting the game-time he works so hard for.

“I’m disappointed for Nicky because he’s a great professional,” said Cooper.

“He’s one of the best professionals I’ve worked with, he’s constantly working on himself, his game, his fitness, his conditioning, he’s completely obsessed with it. He should be playing football somewhere that’s for certain.”

With Leeds now on their fourth manager, albeit Neil Redfearn in charge for the second time, Cooper believes Ajose has been the victim of that turnover and the swollen squad the Yorkshire squad carry.

“Dave Hockaday spoke to me about him and I had no hesitation in recommending him,” Cooper added.

“I think they’ve got about 70 pros or whatever at Leeds, you’re always going to get a few that get lost in that.”