What Swansea boss Steve Cooper said about links to Crystal Palace job

Steve Cooper insists he isn't paying attention to the constant speculation linking him with the Crystal Palace job.

Swansea City boss Cooper has moved up to second favourite in the bookies' list for the Selhurst Park gig - just behind Frank Lampard.

Eagles chief Roy Hodgson is stepping down after Sunday's final Premier League game against Liverpool and Cooper is just one of the names linked with replacing the 73-year-old.

But the Welshman says he's not going to be distracted ahead of a big weekend for him and his present employers.

The Swans host Barnsley on Saturday in the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final. Cooper's side are defending a 1-0 lead as they bid to reach Wembley.

Speaking today, Cooper was quick to bat away the topic of the upcoming Palace vacancy. "It's not a week for any individual topics or conversations," he bluntly said.

"This week is just about the second leg in the play-offs and doing everything we can to get the right outcome.

"Nothing will distract me or anyone else because it's too important, this week. Nothing else is on our mind. I'm a really big believer in focusing on what I'm in control of, and that's your daily work. It's about recovery, preparation and being as ready as we can.

"I'll always do my best, I said that from day one. I just wanted to make sure I give my all and that I do it in a way that I believe in."

Cooper's opposite number at the weekend, Barnsley boss Valerien Ismael, is another who is said to be under consideration by Palace.

Ismael has worked wonders on a shoestring budget, transforming the Reds into a promotion candidate. He has history on his side with regards Palace too, having spent a short stint as a player with the Eagles in 1998.

Hodgson was given a warm send-off from Selhurst Park last night, despite his side going down 3-1 to Arsenal.

The veteran said afterwards: "I shall miss everybody, I shall miss football but it has been a fantastic journey and I thank you very much."

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