Cornell loves life at Latics

David Cornell: regular in the green jersey

WELSH goalkeeper David Cornell has spent the past week counting his winnings from rugby union wagers.

The 24-year-old former Swansea keeper, a fixture under interim boss David Dunn, maintained his happy mood when he saw Wales beat England 28-25 in the Rugby World Cup.

“Eight o’clock on Saturday night was a great time,” said Cornell, who scooped cash from his England-supporting team-mates.

While Athletic didn’t quite manage to emulate the feat of his countrymen in coming from behind to win, that performance against Wigan and the follow-up 1-1 draw at Port Vale this week at least showed a side more resilient than it was under previous manager Darren Kelly.

“I haven’t really had that much to do in the last three games,” said Cornell, who made a superb stop in particular against Wigan.

“I have had to make a couple of saves, but my goal hasn’t been peppered. The back four protect me quite well.

“One of the new manager’s aims was to be quite solid at the back and he has done that. We are just looking to score more at the other end now.”

Dunn’s installation of Cornell in favour of Coleman hasn’t had any lasting impact on the pair’s relationship, he added.

“It’s back to how it was when I wasn’t playing. We are just fighting for that shirt and trying to enjoy it as well.

“I am enjoying training and working with David Dunn. He is similar to how Garry Monk was at Swansea — and we have all seen how well he has done. I have been really impressed with him over the last few weeks.”