Liam Cooper believes he still 'has a lot to offer' Sheffield Wednesday
Experienced defender is keen to prove what he can do after overcoming injury
Liam Cooper feels he still has a lot to offer Sheffield Wednesday after returning from injury.
The experienced defender hobbled off against Sheffield United in February and was ruled out for the rest of the season. The 34-year-old signed for Wednesday last November on a short-term deal, making 14 appearances, but is now out of contract. However, the centre-back has expressed his desire to stay and is back to full fitness.
Manager Henrik Pedersen has spoken previously about Cooper’s leadership qualities and the former Chesterfield and Leeds United promotion-winner believes he still a lot to give.
He told The Star: “I would like to have played a lot more, the injuries were very difficult for me to to accept. But I still feel like I've got so much to offer the game. With a full pre-season under my belt, I think I will be able to come back and repay the fans for sure. “
Cooper, who was speaking to The Star at a charity event for Weston Park, was pictured doing some running on the training ground towards the end of the season but the campaign drew to a close too soon for him to return.
His hunger was one of the big qualities that Pedersen saw in the left-footer and the defender won’t be taking much time off over the summer as he aims to hit the ground running whether that is at Wednesday or another club.
He added: “Every player in the world will tell you how frustrating it is being injured. I have been through it a few times in my career so I know what is expected and what you have got to do and how hard you have got to work. I am just delighted to be back now. Obviously, we have a break now, but I will be staying fit for all the off-season to hopefully come back to flying in pre-season. “