LOUIS Thompson’s impressive second-half performance against Wolves on Tuesday night was inspired by abuse he received from a minority of the Swindon Town faithful, boss Mark Cooper has revealed.

The youth product came off the bench to replace Yaser Kasim after 53 minutes on Tuesday night but prior to that, during the half-time interval, Thompson was the target for some unsavoury words from a small section of the home fans.

Cooper didn’t reveal what was said to his player but was impressed with the way he reacted to the taunts, which were perhaps surprisingly aimed at him following an ultra-consistent and committed breakthrough season.

“Louis came on the other night and was very, very good,” he said. “He took a bit of abuse from a section of the fans which was a bit unkind, what they called him, but he proved them wrong and will be a vital part of this club for years to come.

“I think you saw from his performance how it effected him and that is the best way to answer your critics.”

The younger Thompson, along with his older brother Nathan who has quickly recovered from a groin problem, are both expected to face Bristol City tomorrow and Cooper backed the duo to be key figures for the club both in the derby clash and in the years to come.

“Nathan (Thompson) will play because him and his brother know all about the derby, they’re Swindon through and through and are a massive plus for us and will be telling the others what it means to the fans and the town,” he said.

“Him and his brother are integral to everything we are going to try and do. They love the club, wear their hearts on their sleeves, and are vitally important for us.”