Liam Cooper’s full Sheffield Wednesday debut has been praised, with the experienced defender being called ‘fantastic’.

Cooper wasn’t meant to be starting games so early into his Wednesday career, especially after such a long time without a competitive outing. The 34-year-old was due to play for the Owls’ U21s this week, but that plan had to be cancelled so that he could step out for the first team.

He ended up completing 79 minutes of the game against Millwall, coming off not too long after Femi Azeez had scored the winner, and the Owls looked more steadfast with him on the field. Pedersen felt so, too, and was quick to praise the big centre back after the game had come to an end.

Henrik Pedersen on Liam Cooper’s full debut

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“He’s fantastic,” the Owls boss told The Star. “He’s so stable as a leader, and he brings so much to our team tactically. He’s a big helping hand for the team and the game plan, and to keep up his teammates around him. He’s great, and I’m really, really happy for him.”

Cooper’s departure was one of four substitutions made by the Dane in the second half, but thankfully there are no concerns regarding any of those who made way. The defender, as well as Svante Ingelsson, Harry Amass and Sean Fusire will all be fine for Preston North End.

Pedersen explained, “Svante needed a break so that he can maybe refresh again, and Liam played a little bit longer than we’d expected - so let’s see with him also. There were a lot of good things, but now we need to rest and prepare for Saturday’s game.”

Saturday could also see the return of Ike Ugbo to the squad after he missed the trip to Millwall due to the birth of his child, but no further returns are expected until early next month.