Cochrane started out as a youngster with Derry City and had been rejected after a months trial with Everton, then managed by Billy Bingham, for "not having the right build" to play in midfield.
At Coleraine, under the tutelage of former Northern Ireland boss, Bertie Peacock, Cochrane developed into a fine winger and was capped by his country for the first time in October 1975 against Norway.
The goal came nine minutes after he had come on as a sub, and just sixty seconds after the English had scored, to earn Northern Ireland a crucial 1–1 draw as they went on to win the Championships for the first time in 66 years.
Later Cochrane moved into non-league football with Billingham Synthonia, coached the Saudi Arabian Military team, and had a spell as player-manager of the ill-fated South Bank.
In January 2008 he was appointed manager at Glenavon who play in the Irish Premier League,[6] though he left the club by mutual consent the following June.