QPR goalkeeper Murphy Cooper has admitted he was “desperate” to secure a loan move this summer to continue his footballing education.
The 23-year-old joined Barnsley on a season-long deal after signing a contract extension at Loftus Road, eager to gain further experience in League One after a successful spell at Stevenage last term.
Cooper Hungry to Play
Having already enjoyed stints with Swindon, Stratford, Bath and Welling, Cooper says he was determined to keep challenging himself in senior football rather than remain in youth or reserve setups.
“It’s been a common theme for goalies to go out on loan as young as possible and get that experience, and that’s the main thing,” he explained.
“You can train as well as you want and I was playing well for the under-21s at QPR at 18. But it’s about men’s football and that’s the only way you’ll get that experience. I was desperate to go out on loan as soon as I could.
“This is my fifth loan, including non-league ones, and every single one has been massive for me.”
That attitude reflects the ambition of a player who has risen through QPR’s academy since joining from Wycombe Wanderers in 2012. Cooper has made 2 senior appearances for the Championship club but understands the need for regular competitive football to refine his game.
Developing Through Experience
The Reading-born stopper impressed during his 2023/24 campaign with Stevenage, keeping 16 clean sheets in 40 games, and he has already made 13 appearances for Barnsley in all competitions this season. His performances have caught the eye at Oakwell, where head coach Conor Hourihane has praised his character and communication.
Cooper admits the position demands mental toughness as much as technical skill, revealing he has worked closely with a sports psychologist to manage the pressures of goalkeeping.
“Goalkeeping is a hard position as if you do make a mistake, it results in a goal,” he said. “If you dwell on it, it hinders the rest of your performance. As soon as it happens, you’ve got to blank it out and deal with it later with the goalie coach.”
Learning From the Best
During his time at Loftus Road, Cooper has benefited from learning alongside several seasoned professionals including Kieren Westwood, David Marshall, Joe Lumley and Asmir Begović. But it was Seny Dieng, now at Middlesbrough, who had the biggest influence.
“The season when Seny was number one at QPR, I was third choice,” Cooper recalled. “I travelled home and away and watched how he prepared, how he spoke to the lads and how he performed. It was massive for me. I took loads from his game.”
Those lessons have shaped a goalkeeper with maturity beyond his years. Though he admits he strives for perfection, Cooper believes the key to longevity is maintaining perspective and treating each setback as part of the process.
Writer’s View
Cooper’s hunger for first-team football and openness to testing himself across levels show the mindset needed to progress from promising academy graduate to genuine first-choice contender. His time at Barnsley is serving as another vital step on that journey, offering exposure to pressure situations and the physical demands of senior football.
For QPR, the loan is the ideal development pathway: competitive minutes, strong performances, and the potential return of a more rounded, mentally resilient goalkeeper next summer. Cooper’s determination to keep learning and playing rather than sitting on the bench may yet prove the foundation of a long-term career at Loftus Road.
