I think I can play at any level – Andre Ayew

Ghana International Andre Ayew says his impressive performances for Swansea this season is not because there is lack of quality in the lower division or that he is more comfortable in the Championship.

According to the Black Stars captain, he has no doubt in his mind that he can perform at the highest level and in the most competitive league in the world.

Ayew is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career and scoring for fun in the Championship.

Ayew scored twice in the Championship win over Middlesbrough on last Saturday, taking his season's tally to nine.

The £18m record signing had been expected to move on last summer - in part due to his sizeable wages - but Ayew says he chose to stay and has been one of Cooper's star performers in 2019-20.

Ayew added: "I think I can do it at any level. That's not my question. I think I can play at any level, that's not the problem.

"I'm happy here. If I'm here it's because I decided to be here. It was my decision.

"I'm just happy, playing my football, enjoying with the lads.

"We want to do something great so we need to keep working and later we will see [what happens].

"The lads, the staff, the club, the fans have a lot of belief in me. I just have to focus on that.

"What's important for me is to get the legs going, get wins and from there we'll see."

Cooper repeated his views Ayew could be a target for other clubs during next month's transfer window after the Ghanaian's double against Middlesbrough helped Swansea end a six-match winless run to put them a point off the play-off zone.

"I'll keep saying it because it's the truth. He's been brilliant," said Cooper.

"He's a class act both on and off the pitch. First and foremost as a player, he delivers.

"His attitude and work ethic is right up there and he's a brilliant personality off the pitch as well in terms of leading the way, helping with the younger players and long may it continue."

Cooper added: "Any player who does well at this level is going to create interest to move up to the next level.

"We know Andre can play higher than this level. But I can only go off what I can see and that is a player who's giving more than 100%, delivering, scoring. You think back to the performance against Blackburn and he's sliding in tackles in the defensive third and creating counter-attacks himself.

"That tells me he's really happy. I have a wonderful relationship with him. I like him a lot. I think he likes me a little bit as well! For as long as he's here playing, the better for the football club."