Joel Cooper just missed out on NI squad, but can succeed across water: Michael O’Neill

Cooper has made a sensational start to the season scoring and creating goals and O’Neill was at Windsor Park the night he netted a stunner against Glenavon.

The Northern Ireland boss says he will continue to monitor Cooper’s progress and that of Larne striker Lee Bonis who has dropped out of the international squad after being in it in June.

This is 27-year-old Cooper’s third spell at Linfield having been in England with Oxford United and Port Vale on loan.

“Joel was close and I did consider him for the squad,” said O’Neill.

“I watched him against Glenavon the night he scored that great goal with a brilliant piece of play but he is probably playing in a position as a 10 that we wouldn’t be able to afford to play him in at this moment in time with Northern Ireland.

“I always keep an eye on the lads in the Irish League and Joel is doing very well.

“I had him as a younger player in the squad and around the squad.

“He is still at an age where I believe he could take that step across to English or Scottish football which would enhance his opportunity to be involved at international level which we’ve seen with Conor McMenemin (moving from Glentoran to St Mirren).

“Joel and Lee Bonis, along with other Irish League players, are still ones to keep an eye on.”

While a current Linfield star was not named in O’Neill’s 24 man squad for the upcoming games, former Blues favourite Paul Smyth, back with QPR following a summer move from Leyton Orient, has returned to the international fold.

“When I look back at Paul, I had him in the squad previously when he was a young player and he broke through,” said O’Neill.

“Maybe the jump to QPR at that point was too big, and eventually dropping down to Leyton Orient has proved a really good decision.

“He had two very good seasons there, and he was ready to take the step back up again and he is doing it, as he has been involved in QPR’s teams during the early part of the season.

“He is playing for a manager (Gareth Ainsworth) who previously had him on loan at Wycombe, so he knows Paul well. And I think Paul has proved his adaptability.

“He played wing-back on Saturday, for example. I think his best positions are probably more advanced than that but Paul gives you that adaptability.

“He can get goals from wide areas as well so I am pleased he is back in.

“Paul is an infectious character to have around the squad, and it is down to him now.

“He is playing at a level that merits his inclusion.

“I told Paul to keep his head down and keep working, and that’s what he has done.

“There was a lot of interest in Paul this summer from clubs in England and Scotland. I had a number of phone calls about him.

“I think he was patient, and he maybe knew the QPR thing was happening.

“It is a club he knows well and I think he is determined to make an impact second time around.”