Cooper challenges laid-back Johnson

Last updated : 26 July 2005 By Simon Head

Cooper: Wants to toughen up Johnson

Talking to BBC Radio Kent, Cooper said, "He is too laid back and needs to get that bit of aggression in his game."

Johnson is a pacy centre half who has developed into a reasonably strong physical specimen and Cooper clearly sees potential in the former Southend defender.

However, Johnson's laid-back approach has sometimes seen him flounder in games, particularly when he's been up against strong opponents.

"I spoke to Leon and you can't be a big nice boy as a centre-back. You've got to be a bully in the right manner," said Cooper.

"It's all very well being laid back off the park, but you can't be like it on the pitch.

With Cooper looking to get the very best out of his young charges, Leon Johnson could emerge as a valuable player as Cooper looks to provide suitable cover for the likely first-choice pairing of Chris Hope and Ian Cox.