Henrik Pedersen has explained the reason Leeds United loan player Harry Gray was left out of the squad at Doncaster Rovers after a paltry Owls performance saw them fall to a 2-0 defeat.

The youngster had started each of Wednesday’s three League One matches since the international break and is part of a juggle the Owls are having to conduct with regard to their loan players. Wednesday have six and are permitted to name no more than five in their matchday squad.

“One had to be let out and we have a lot of offensive players out. For me, it was difficult,” Pedersen told The Star.

“Kieran (Morrison), he started on the left side. Jaden (Heskey) has been so strong in our away games to take the battles. I think Jaden was very important. Harry has played many games in a row and that's why I also took him out. And then we have Ali (Al-Hamadi). He should start today and we also had doubt how long time could Ali go and that's why Mason (Burstow) was also on the bench.”

The afternoon proved a difficult one for Wednesday, who fell two goals down within 16 minutes and despite an improved second half display were well-beaten by a Doncaster side in the lower third of the table. Following a similar loss by the same scoreline at Notts County on Tuesday, Pedersen was once again the subject of chants from supporters who want to see a change of manager.

“I feel the anger like they feel the anger because we are not happy,” he said. “After a great result Saturday at home and then have two losses in two games. This is not what we want. And, of course, I feel the same anger that they feel. And now we have to grow quickly and then we have to take the fight on Tuesday evening.”