Why Liam Cooper started ahead of Cole McGhee for Sheffield Wednesday vs Preston North End
Liam Cooper was recalled to Sheffield Wednesday’s starting XI for Thursday’s 3-0 defeat to Preston North End.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen has outlined his thinking behind his decision to recall Liam Cooper to the starting line-up for New Year’s Day’s 3-0 defeat to Preston North End at Deepdale.
After being scheduled to start Monday night’s 0-0 draw with Blackburn Rovers at Hillsborough, Cooper was forced to pull out of the starting line-up less than an hour before kick-off after experiencing an allergic reaction to some medication.
In his place, youngster Cole McGhee came into the starting line-up to make his Championship debut and produced a very assured performance, helping Wednesday earn a first clean sheet at Hillsborough in over a year.
After producing such a solid account of himself on his league debut, many believed McGhee, 19, would keep his place in the starting line-up for Thursday’s trip to Deepdale. However, Cooper was reinstated to the starting line-up and started at left-sided centre-back.
However, the defender’s afternoon came to an end shortly before half-time after he was forced to hobble off the pitch with what Pedersen later confirmed to be a groin injury. The former Leeds United man is set to undergo a scan today (Friday) to determine the extent of the damage.
Pedersen explains Cooper decision
Asked why he had chosen to recall Cooper in place of McGhee against North End, Pedersen told The Star: "He was fine in the evening after the game [vs Blackburn], there was no chance that he could play the game, but he was fine in the evening after the allergic reaction.
"So there was no reason why he should not be a starter for today. I think Cole did very well, but, of course, Liam is a really, really strong player for us, and when he's fit, he will normally play.
"We're happy that we have Cole as a back-up for him, and it looks like it's necessary now to change again."
Addressing Cooper’s injury concern, Pedersen added: “His groin is not good. He's a good example, he has played really, really well for us.
“He means a lot for us, he's a good leader, he's a good defender, but his left foot has also been really good in the build-up for us. But he has also played more than he should play in relation to his fitness when he came to the club. Let's see how long he's out, but it's not good.”