Steve Cooper admits Leeds United defeat is tough to take for Swansea City

Steve Cooper admitted Leeds United's late winner against Swansea City was tough to take after a hard-fought game at the Liberty Stadium.

Pablo Hernandez struck in Wales just as normal time expired to give the Whites a vital three points in the race for automatic promotion.

The 1-0 win was met with wild celebrations for the visitors while the hosts were left to rue a missed opportunity.

A point would have been enough for the Swans to lift themselves into the play-off spots but United's late winner handed Cooper's side a blow in their top six hopes with three games to play.

Marcelo Bielsa's men restored a six point advantage over third place at the top of the Championship with the victory.

Cooper, though, reflected post-match and conceded that the the defeat for his side was a difficult one to take after a close encounter.

"We felt comfortable in the game," Cooper said.

"They probably had more clear chances than we did, but I think we got into as many good areas as them.

"I'm obviously really disappointed to concede like we did that late on, it is a tough one to take, but we’ve quickly got to get over it, there’s still points to play for.

"It's disappointing, lots of good bits from the performance in every shape and form.

"I’d have liked us to keep the ball a bit more if I’m honest, when we did win possession. But I get it. There's tired legs, it's a tough game and a hot day, and obviously Leeds are a really good team as well.

"But like I said, I felt comfortable, I felt like a set piece might decide it. Both teams set up tactically well so for them to get through right at the end is obviously disappointing."

He added: "We go to Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, we'll take a lot of heart from the performance, the dressing room is down but it's motivated, there's fire in the belly there.

"They know we deserved more in the game and hopefully we can keep that going and take it into our preparation for Wednesday."