GARETH Cooper has urged British Lions supporters not to panic after their lack-lustre 25-25 draw with Argentina last night.

The Lions were humbled by an Argentinian side who were missing at least 26 of their usual squad and at one stage last week the game was in doubt as they struggled to raise a side. But they more than matched a Lions side who on Wednesday fly to New Zealand to begin their seven-week tour.

Newport Gwent Dragons scrum-half Cooper believes that despite last night's draw at the Millennium Stadium, there is no need for the 20,000 or so Lions supporters travelling to New Zealand to press any panic buttons just yet.

He said: "This is the start of the tour really and it was a huge occasion for us. It was the first game and we all wanted to impress.

"I thought Argentina were excellent, their defence was superb and they put us under a lot of pressure.

"There is no need to panic though, we controlled the ball for long periods in that second half and perhaps we were a little unlucky not to come away with more for our efforts.

"We fell down around the breakdown area, we didn't get enough numbers around that area but that will improve when we gel and play more rugby together.

"It was a good test for us but it will stand us in good stead for the next game."

The Lions were rescued by Jonny Wilkinson who kicked an injury time penalty to spare his side's blushes on the way to a 20-point haul.

Cooper admitted it was an awesome experience playing alongside the most famous player in world rugby.

He said: "It was great to play alongside Jonny. I've played against him a few times but to play in the same side as him is obviously a very special occasion. He is very vocal and not dissimilar to Stephen Jones.

"That kick at the end of the game was trademark. To pull something out of the bag like that was brilliant and it wasn't an easy kick and he coped with the pressure excellently."

Before last night Cooper had not started a game of rugby since injuring his ankle in the Tsunami benefit match at Twickenham in March.

The 25-year-old admitted he was just pleased to get through the game without any complications.

He said: "It was huge honour for me. I had goose bumps when I picked up the jersey and it was a very special occasion.

"But I was just pleased to get out there and get a game under my belt and not come off injured to be honest with you.

"I was surprised with how it went. I felt quite fresh and was worried I wouldn't keep up with the pace, but I felt I coped with that.

"I was happy with what I did, but whether I enhanced my Test chances is a question for the coaching team.

"We don't know what is going on in the selectors' minds, we have all been told that everyone will get a game in the first four matches of the tour, so this could well be mine, but it is up to them to decide."