Liam Cooper appeared as a second half substitute in Sheffield Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Millwall on Saturday.

Sheffield Wednesday will have to manage Liam Cooper’s fitness carefully ahead of Sunday’s Steel City derby against Sheffield United after his load was limited in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Millwall.

The centre-back, who joined the Owls on a free transfer in November, signing a contract until the end of the season, was considered as ‘a doubt’ by Pedersen ahead of the visit of the Lions.

Despite being unable to train ahead of the clash with Alex Neil’s side, he was deemed fit enough for a place on the bench and was introduced with just 15 minutes remaining, moments after Macauley Langstaff had turned home what turned out to be the winner.

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Replacing Cole McGhee, who had scored an own-goal to bring Millwall level just a few minutes earlier, Cooper slotted in at left-sided centre-back for the closing stages, assisting Gabriel Otegbayo.

Although Pedersen got the green light from the medical department to give Cooper a maximum of 20 minutes, the Owls boss stressed the importance of the 34-year-old regaining full fitness to return to full training and then be available for selection for the start of games.

Pedersen issues Cooper update

“Coops had not trained the whole week,” Pedersen admitted, speaking to The Star. “We could not take any risks.

“I got the information he could play 15 to 20 minutes without risk. That’s why he came in so late. Coops is a very important part of our team.

“I think Cole did really, really well, as long as he has the power. After 65/70 minutes, he starts to be empty. Coops need to be totally fit again so he can start to train again and be a part of the team, not only for games, but also for training.”

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Asked how McGhee was in himself after scoring an own-goal, Pedersen continued: He was so disappointed, but he also has to be so proud. We have to think where Cole, if we go three months back, where was Cole?

“That he can compete against Millwall, against those strong, strong, good, good strikers, it's a massive improvement. Massive.”