MARK Cooper waded in to defend Massimo Luongo after the Australian midfielder’s commitment to Swindon Town came into question.

Fans on social media reacted badly to an interview with Australian TV where Luongo once again stated he sees his future away from the County Ground.

After Saturday’s game, where Luongo was perceived by some to have been putting in less than 100 per cent effort, there was more ire from the Robins keyboard warriors.

In the face of the criticism for his star man Cooper has sought to dampen down the fervour, insisting Luongo is determined to see Town promoted to the Championship.

“When people hear that a player has said whatever he’s said, they sometimes have misconceptions,” Cooper told the local media.

“Straight away, (the fans think) he’s not going to be that bothered. Sometimes, when he’s pulled out of a tackle, they straight away have a downer on it.

“Mass is desperate to leave the club having got promotion. There’s nothing guaranteed for Mass, everyone thinks there’s a move guaranteed – there isn’t.

“He knows that he’s got to be playing really, really well if he’s going to get a move to the Premiership.”

“He’s desperate to play and desperate to get us over the line. I think the fans need to lay off him a little bit. He’s been a really good player for the club while he’s been here and he’ll continue to give everything he’s got while he’s here.”

Cooper did acknowledge Luongo had not been firing on all cylinders of late, but cited the midfielder’s non-stop schedule of league and international football as a reason.

“He’s flown all over the world this year to enhance his reputation, which is personal. He’s been sprung into the limelight as a global star with Australia so it’s been difficult for him,” he added.

“He’s played a lot of games. He’s been playing football for nearly a year now because he went to the World Cup, didn’t have a break and went to the Asian Cup. We have to look at how many games he’s played in a period of time.

“He is going to be tired and we’ve got to try to look after him if we are going to be in the play-offs.

“When he came back and played against Bradford, he was unplayable. There have been a couple of games where things by half a yard haven’t gone right.

“On Saturday, passes were half a yard from putting people in on goal which, four weeks ago, might have made it. You’re talking about fine margins and that’s where we are at the minute.”

The Swindon Advertiser were not permitted to attend today’s press conference.