THERE IS a lot at stake for newly-signed Plymouth Argyle striker Kenny Cooper over the next three months.

Cooper wants to play his part in ensuring the relegation-threatened Pilgrims stay in the Championship.

That would then almost certainly lead to a permanent transfer to Home Park during the close season.

But the 25-year-old also wants to make sure of his inclusion in the United States squad for the World Cup in South Africa this summer.

Cooper signed for German Bundesliga 2 club 1860 Munich last July, after a successful three-year spell with FC Dallas in Major League Soccer.

But the 6ft 3in striker played only 12 times for his new team, scoring two goals, before suffering a medial knee ligament injury in November.

During his absence, 1860 Munich had some good results either side of Germany's winter break, so Cooper was not guaranteed first team football on his return to fitness.

Instead, Cooper opted for a loan move to Argyle until the end of the season now that he has fully recovered from his injury.

He hopes it will give him a chance of playing regularly, and being selected by the US for the World Cup.

Argyle are confident he will be a success as they have already negotiated an option with 1860 Munich to sign Cooper in the summer, subject to him agreeing personal terms.

But Cooper, who arrived in Plymouth on Saturday to undergo a medical and put the finishing touches to his loan move, is only focused on the here and now.

He said: "I'm trying not to look too far into the future. I'm trying to take it a day at a time.

"The last two days have been a great experience for me. I didn't know too much about the area and I have been pleasantly surprised. It's beautiful.

"It has been refreshing to meet so many wonderful people, and I think the club is destined for success based on the character of the people I have met."

Cooper was officially unveiled by Argyle at a media call yesterday, along with Birmingham City midfielder Damien Johnson.

They have been signed with the intention of getting the Pilgrims out of relegation trouble.

Cooper said: "There are loads of games left to play and, hopefully, Damien and myself can come in and help the team out."

Argyle head coach Paul Mariner was previously the number two at MLS side New England Revolution so he and Cooper know each other.

When Cooper played for the MLS All-Star team against West Ham United in 2008, one of the coaching staff was Mariner.

Argyle's assistant head coach John Carver is also familiar with Cooper, having had a stint with FC Toronto in the MLS.

Cooper is excited about the prospect of working with Mariner and Carver at Home Park.

He said: "When I knew Paul and John were interested in me I was flattered. I'm obviously familiar with both of them from my time in the MLS.

"Through my experiences with the national team, I have had the opportunity to meet some of Paul's players (from the New England Revolution), and they are a great reflection of himself.

"They are all class acts and good hard workers."

Cooper will hope to make his debut for Argyle in their home game against promotion-chasing West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

"I think this is a good fit for me," he said. "It's nice to feel wanted and it's to nice come somewhere where you feel the coaches are familiar with you. I'm excited to be here."

Cooper has played 10 times for the United States, scoring four goals, and is desperate to be in their World Cup squad.

"I have had some time with the national team in the last couple of years, and it has left me hungry to have more of those experiences," he said.

"Obviously, with the World Cup around the corner, that's a big goal of mine.

"I feel there is a great opportunity for me to play here (for Argyle) and do well.

"Hopefully, that will translate into an opportunity with the national team in the World Cup this summer."

Cooper is a UK passport-holder because his father, Kenny senior, comes from this country, so Argyle did not need to apply for a work permit for him.

The striker completed the rehabilitation from his knee injury in Dallas is confident he is now fully fit.

Cooper said: "They (1860 Munich) were kind enough to let me go home a little early, before the Christmas break.

"I saw my doctor at home, and I ended up staying later and rehabilitating there with people who I trust.

"On all counts, they have given me a lot of confidence, and I also did a lot of aggressive training when I was down there (in Dallas).

"All the signs are good that I'm ready to go."