Steve Cooper addresses Jack Colback's absence ahead of West Ham clash

Steve Cooper has addressed the reason for Jack Colback's absence from the West Ham clash at the City Ground.

The Reds are set to play their first home game upon their return to the English top-flight this afternoon (2pm). The Welsh boss is looking to secure the Reds first three points of the season following an opening day defeat to Newcastle.

Speaking to Sky Sports before the game, Cooper said: "He’s sick. He has been all week really. We was hoping that he might get through it with a couple of days to go, but he’s still at home. Disappointing for Jack, he’s a big part of our dressing room and what we do here.

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Meanwhile Taiwo Awoniyi has been handed his first league start while Sam Surridge is on the bench. "Taiwo’s in because he’s the type of profile of nine that we want for this game. Sam hasn’t done anything wrong, you look at a game plan and think what might be needed the most and it’s the football decision we’ve made."

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