Steve Cooper confirms the reasoning behind second-half triple substitution

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Steve Cooper has confirmed the reason behind the triple substitution made in the second half of the 2-2 draw against Luton Town.

The Reds boss brought off Nicolas Dominguez, Ibrahim Sangare and Willy Boly in the 78th minute – moments after Chris Wood’s second goal of the game.

The trio were replaced by Cheikhou Kouyaté, Ryan Yates and Joe Worrall – with the latter involved heavily in Luton’s equalising goal.

Cooper’s substitutions raised eyebrows, with the Reds boss confirming the reasons behind the changes.

Steve Cooper on his triple substitution

Speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham after the draw, Cooper confirmed that jet lag and tiredness played a part in a couple of the changes.

“Willy [Boly] and Ibrahim [Sangare] have not long been back in the country, and they came back late with the timing of their flight.

“It’s not an excuse, don’t get me wrong, because I would never usually substitute a centre-back.

“Substitutions happen all the time now in football and we’ve stood here quite a few times going on about how well the likes of Yatesy [Ryan Yates] has done when he’s come on or Woodsy [Chris Wood] after his contributions.

“I don’t think the substitutions have had an impact on how the game ended, with the goal coming from a set piece changing the momentum of the game.

“I think whoever was on the pitch, that situation still would’ve happened.”