PHIL Parkinson has reinforced an Altrincham defence that has been leaking goals at an alarming rate by signing Jake Cooper from League One title-chasers Rotherham United on an initial one-month loan.

The Alty boss promised action after describing his side’s first-half failings in Saturday’s 5-0 defeat at Solihull Moors as ‘unacceptable’, and he was as good as his word as he welcomed 21-year old centre-back Cooper to The J.Davidson Stadium on Monday night.

Six-foot tall and strongly built, Alty’s latest arrival cites aggression as one of his main attributes, as well as a keen eye for goal, and looks an ideal acquisition during Tom Hannigan’s injury absence, as the Robins strive for a winning formula to keep themselves clear of relegation trouble.

As he savoured the prospect of training with his new team-mates and putting himself in the frame for a debut in Saturday’s key home game with Woking, Cooper said: “I like to think I read the game well, I’m aggressive in my defending and I’m confident in my ability in both boxes.

“First and foremost, I’m a defender, but I started out as a striker when I was a youth player at Sheffield United, and I like to think I’ve got a decent scoring record.

“I fancy myself in both boxes, and if I get a chance in the opposition area, I fancy myself to score. I’m happy with the goals I’ve scored, and I would like to bring that to the table in my time here.

“I know what I can do as a defender, and hopefully I’ll show it week-in, week-out for Altrincham.

“I know it hasn’t been going well for the club, but teams go on runs like this, and it only needs one win for things to turn round pretty quickly.

“I’m excited to get in for training this week and make sure I’m ready for Saturday.

“I’m looking forward to my time here, and if it goes well, I hope we can sort it until the end of the season.”

Burnley-born but Sheffield-raised, Cooper has made a handful of EFL Trophy appearances for the Millers and says the experience of playing alongside former Newcastle United centre-back Mike Williamson during a loan spell at Gateshead was ‘massively’ beneficial to his development.