There could be further transfer activity before the deadline: “Anything is possible, including players going the other way or coming to us. We are definitely trying to do some things, as we have been doing for some time, but we will not sign players who we do not believe will make the contribution we want.”

Cooper added: “We have not had a player come to us saying he is desperate to leave. So we are not in that situation. We are also not in a situation where there is any real interest in our core players.”

He said that Tom Cannon is “attracting a lot of attention” and it is “possible” that the striker will leave the club before the deadline. He added: “If he does, the club will consider the decision to be the right one. If not, I look forward to working with him.”

He confirmed interest in Genk’s Bilal El Khannouss, saying the process was “definitely underway – there’s no point in denying it” but he was “hesitant” to talk about it as the transfer was “not yet finalised”.

Cooper explained why he signed striker Jordan Ayew: “He can play in a lot of positions up the pitch, that was definitely one of the reasons for bringing him here. I was happy to see him score the other day, it’s always good to score your first goal. Hopefully that’s the start of a lot of performances for us.”

There are “no personnel changes” ahead of the game. Conor Coady is back from injury after playing in the Carabao Cup win over Tranmere Rovers. He added: “The bonus of this game was that some lads got some well-deserved and needed minutes, so everyone is in the running.”

On the game against Unai Emery’s Villa team: “You have to believe in your work and the plan – and stick to it without fail. We are playing against a Champions League team with great success. They have been on the rise for a few years now, you have to respect that, but we have to make sure we really bring the game to them. We have to believe in our concepts and the impact they can have in the game.”

Cooper praised academy product Kasey McAteer, who was called up to the Irish national team for the first time: “Congratulations to him. I haven’t seen him in person yet to say that to him but I will. A great tribute to him, the club and the academy. Hopefully that should encourage him to work even harder now.”

He congratulated Marc Albrighton on his retirement: “I wish him the best of luck in the next phase of his life, whatever he wants to do. I met him in the car park after the Tottenham game, along with Andy King, and we chatted for about half an hour. I am fully aware of the importance he has had for this club.”