Andre Ayew has failed to really get going at Nottingham Forest and a remarkable statistic has emerged about the international striker.
The 33-year-old signed for Forest on a short-term deal in February. He was also linked with Everton following the arrival of Sean Dyche.
Ayew knows Cooper well, however. The pair embarked on two play-off campaigns at Swansea and the head coach values him.
Forest fans haven’t really seen that side of him, however. When he’s been utilised he’s looked off the pace and devoid of any confidence.
Now, a statistic has emerged that seemingly backs up the notion that the Ghanaian international is struggling.
MORE FOREST STORIES
Despite Cooper persisting with giving him minutes over Sam Surridge and Emmanuel Dennis, Ayew hasn’t repaid the faith.
The Athletic claims that in 306 minutes playing for Forest, he’s managed just four shots, with an average of 0.3 shots per game.
To make matters worse it’s exactly a month to the day since he last had a shot. That came in a 2-1 defeat against Leeds United at Elland Road.
Forest are desperate for the right amount of goals to avoid relegation back to the Championship.
The intention was for Ayew to come in and help the Reds get those. On his current form, it’s hard to imagine him bagging a goal before the end of the season.
Remarkable statistic emerges about Forest striker Ayew
The fact he’s had four shots perhaps doesn’t completely tell the full story.
Ayew has often been deployed as the man to hassle defenders and stretch the game in the closing stages.
Still, four shots is pretty pathetic for a man that has been signed to score goals, as he did previously working for Cooper.
Ayew shouldn’t be getting minutes for the Reds. Both Surridge and Dennis are more viable options and also have a future at the City Ground.
This statistic clearly won’t come into Cooper’s thinking.
He rates the player highly but with just four games for Forest to save themselves, the Ayew experiment simply has to stop.