British and Irish Lions assistant coach Andy Farrell has admitted that he was "pleased" to see Quade Cooper left out by Australia boss Robbie Deans last weekend.
The 25-year-old has endured a mixed career at international level, with his chances of representing the Wallabies regularly affected by off-field controversies.
Cooper showed flashes of his talent against the Lions for the Queensland Reds on Saturday, but that display was not enough to secure a late call to Australia's 25-man Test squad.
Farrell believes that the Wallabies will be weaker without Cooper in their side, admitting that he had reason to be pleased with his omission ahead of the first Test in just under two weeks' time.
He told BBC Sport: "If I was a coach, I would want him [Cooper] in my side. He is a handful.
"I don't know the ins and outs of why he hasn't been selected but he brings lots to the party. I'm pretty pleased."
Warren Gatland's Lions play the fourth match of their tour Down Under later this morning, with a clash against a Combined Country XV at Hunter Stadium.
Liam Power
