Quade Cooper has received a glowing endorsement from new Wallabies coach Michael Cheika as the returning playmaker looks to capitalise on Kurtley Beale’s absence from the European tour.

Cheika has long admired Cooper from afar and is excited to get a closer look, indicating the 26-year-old will make his long-awaited return to action in next weekend’s match against the Barbarians at Twickenham.

• Irish galloper claims stunning Cox Plate win
• Wanderers dare to dream after Champs start
• Victory old guard lead way against Melbourne City
• Flying start as Roos knocked off at Lang Park

The coach has also signalled a return for the previously out-of-favour Will Genia in the tour opener and says Test spots will be up for grabs in his first match in charge of the Wallabies.

Cooper recently returned from a lengthly layoff with shoulder and hip injuries but was an unused substitute in the one-point defeat to the All Blacks, which proved Ewen McKenzie’s final game at the helm.

With fellow utility back Beale to remain in Australia following the text message scandal involving former ARU staff member Di Patston, Cooper looks guaranteed at least a bench spot early in the five-match tour.

Should the Queensland star make the most of his opportunities, he could start putting pressure on Bernard Foley for his former starting spot at No.10.

“There’s a good chance he’ll be on the field at some stage (against Barbarians),” Cheika said of Cooper.

“He’s a top player and he’s proved it at the top level for many seasons.

“I hardly know him, I’ve got to be honest, I’ve only talked to him a few times but I’ve seen from watching him and being an opposing coach, what he can bring to the table.

“That’s whether it’s a Test match against New Zealand or against Barbarians. I don’t think it’s just because it’s the Barbarians that we would be playing him.”

Scrum-half Genia had been overlooked by McKenzie since returning from ankle surgery but Cheika indicated he was among those who would be given a chance to impress ahead of the Tests against Wales, France, Ireland and England.

“You’ve got guys who haven’t played in the series previously like Will Genia and Quade Cooper who were mainstays for Australian rugby in the past and that’s only a good thing, so we’re going to give some guys a chance,” Cheika said.

“I wouldn’t say we’re going to rest people. What we’re going to do is give some guys a chance to play themselves into the Test team.”

Meanwhile Cheika has ruled out changing the captaincy, strongly backing Michael Hooper despite speculation his role may be under review by the ARU.

“I think he’s done a magnificent job,” Cheika said of the 22-year-old flanker.

“He’s been under some heat, especially the last couple of weeks and it hasn’t been ideal situation for any skipper.

“But for a guy so young, he’s done such a good job.”

The Wallabies touched down in London on Saturday morning and will commence training early next week.