'A fixed part' - Henrik Pedersen reveals Sheffield Wednesday's long-term plan for Yisa Alao
Yisa Alao made his full debut for Sheffield Wednesday against Brentford in the FA Cup at the weekend.
Manager Henrik Pedersen has outlined how Sheffield Wednesday plan to make youngster Yisa Alao a regular member of the first-team squad from next season.
The talented left-back, 17, made his full debut for the Owls at the weekend, being selected to start at left wing-back for their 2-0 defeat to Premier League side Brentford in the FA Cup third round at Hillsborough.
Earning what was just his fourth senior appearance of his career, the teenager offered flashes of his capabilities, showing a willingness to get on the ball and try and get Wednesday up the pitch.
In addition to showing signs of athleticism, he also demonstrated a strong awareness defensively, frequently looking one way and then another to keep an eye on the dangerous Romelle Donovan, who started on Brentford’s right flank.
Unfortunately for Alao, his afternoon came to an end after 60 minutes because of a hamstring concern, sparking yet another injury fear for the Owls. Despite his premature exit, Pedersen was pleased with his performance.
Pedersen opens up on Alao plan
”He had a period after [his last start] where he was injured and then he came back,” Pedersen told The Star. “Of course, Harry [Amass] had played well.
“I decided no matter what, he should start this game and, yes, I think he played a really, really good game.”
The extent of his hamstring complaint will, of course, dictate how many more opportunities he will bank in the coming weeks and months. But as Wednesday continue to wait to find out if the youngster will sign his first professional deal at Hillsborough, Pedersen has outlined how the plan has always been to try and integrate him slowly ahead of next season.
Asked if he believes he could be ready to start a Championship fixture anytime soon, Pedersen outlined Wednesday’s thinking behind their plan for the teenager, explaining: “No. It has always been planned that he should be integrated more and more and more because he should be a fixed part of the squad from next season.”
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On his injury, Pedersen added: “We took him out today because he had a problem with his hamstring. To play a game for him on this level, it is to maximise every single action for him.
“And that's why, and already in the break we spoke with him, he has a challenge, so we could not let him play longer. I would love to give him 90 minutes, but it was not possible.
“It came through [the injury] during the game, he didn't have anything before. It is too early [to say how serious it could be].”