Michael Cooper described the ovation he got from Plymouth Argyle's travelling Green Army before and after his new Sheffield United side's 2-0 win against his former club at Bramall Lane as something he will never forget.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper played against the Pilgrims for the first time since his £2 million transfer in August, and kept his ninth successive home clean sheet as the Blades remained at the top of the Championship. He did have to produce one top-class save to do so, though, when he pushed away a second half header from Ryan Hardie as the visitors pushed for an equaliser.

Cooper, who had been at Argyle since the age of nine through until his move to United in the summer, admitted it had been 'weird' lining up against them, and in particular his good friend and fellow academy graduate Adam Randell.

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The pair hugged each other at the final whistle and Cooper greeted several of his other former Argyle team-mates and coaches before he went across to the 1,000-strong Green Army behind one of the goals and applauded them as they sang 'Michael Cooper, he's one of our own'.

Cooper spoke to Plymouth Live pitchside at Bramall Lane after the game and described the emotions he had felt coming up against a club which means so much to him.

"It was weird - the build-up, everything, it was really strange," he said. "Just as soon as the whistle went I was trying to forget that it's my club, and my mate is playing for them. They made it really tough for us, probably one of our hardest home games so far. All credit to them, I'm just happy that we could get over the line and get three points."

On the reception he received from the Green Army, Cooper said: "It was a really special moment for myself before the game and at full-time. I can't thank them enough for that, it really meant a lot to me. Before the game, as soon as they clapped I just had to think 'I have got to go again now'."

Cooper played for Argyle in pre-season as speculation about a transfer to Sheffield United swirled around, and after being on the bench for the 4-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday in the opening game of the Championship campaign the deal to take him to the Blades was finalised.

"I know it was long period of time in the build up to it, but when it happens it happens very quick," said Cooper. "So today felt like a proper thank you from me to the fans, I appreciate it, and I think it felt good for them as well.

"I will appreciate that forever. My mum and dad were in the Sheffield stands and they would have heard that, and it would have meant a lot for them as well. It would have meant a lot for my missus.

"I can't thank the fans enough how they were with me the whole time I was there. To get that appreciation, I will never forget that. It was a really touching moment for me."

Randell had a fine game for Argyle in a midfield holding role, so much so that United changed their tactics at half-time, and Cooper declared: "In a weird way it was really good to play against each other.

"We were stood next to each other in the tunnel as well so we had a little high-five. I think we both cracked on as professionals, did our jobs and we had a nice little catch up at the end."

Although it was a much improved away-day display from Argyle after their recent very heavy defeats at Norwich City and Bristol City, they had no points to show for it and remained in 23rd position in the Championship, one point above bottom-of-the-table Hull Ciy.

Cooper said: "I think if they keep up the form like they have done today they will get the wins back on the board for them. We went through it last season, it's never easy, but as long as they can find a way to stay in the league then they have done their job, and that's success for the club at the minute.

"Having been in that position before, I understand exactly how the fans will be feeling but I think they will have been buzzing with the team today. The effort they put in, the way they played, they made it so tricky for us."

As for United, they remained on course to secure promotion back to the Premier League and the form of Cooper, who has made key saves in many of the matches, is one of the reasons behind that.

Cooper said: "I'm really enjoying it. It took me a while at the start to get used to living away. It's the first time I haven't lived in Devon. It's not easy to get home, I think I have only been home once, but I have really enjoyed my time here so far. The staff and players have been great with me. I'm absolutely buzzing and looking forward to what's ahead."

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