'Really important' - Murphy Cooper admission made after making Sheffield Wednesday return
Sheffield Wednesday Under-21s boss Giles Coke has stressed competition for places is important following goalkeeper Murphy Cooper’s return from injury.
The QPR loanee made his first appearance in almost two months on Friday lunchtime, starting the U21s’ 2-1 defeat to Cardiff City at Hillsborough.
Cooper, who arrived at Hillsborough in January after the Owls lost first-choice shot-stopper Pierce Charles to a shoulder injury, had not featured since Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Millwall at Hillsborough on February 14. He suffered a muscle injury in the build up to the Steel City derby defeat to Sheffield United the following weekend.
Cooper, who spent the first half of this season up the road on loan at Barnsley, impressed during his run between the posts prior to his injury, making a collection of fine saves across some very solid performances.
Making his return against the Bluebirds youngsters, the 24-year-old stored 60 minutes under his belt before being replaced by Jack Phillips. The move was, as anticipated, pre-planned, easing any concerns that Cooper had encountered a fresh blow.
“Yes, that was always the plan [to take him off after an hour],” Coke confirmed to The Star. “Unfortunately, he got his injury when he was playing really, really well.
“So, I did feel for him a little bit. But, yes, he's back in now, he got 60 minutes and it was always the plan for him. Hopefully he can be involved in some aspect over the next few games that are left in the season.”
Unfortunately for the former Stevenage loanee, his chances of fighting his way back into Wednesday’s starting XI feel somewhat unlikely amid the form of Charles. The Northern Ireland international produced an outstanding display against Leicester City on Easter Monday, making 11 saves, meaning he is not going to be dislodged from the starting XI anytime soon.
Coke continued: “Competition is really important. In my opinion, we've got two really, really good ‘keepers.
“So, yes, it's difficult, but that's what you want. And Murph's a great, great guy, by the way; I can't speak highly enough of him.
“He's got a great attitude, great professionalism and is great around the place. So, yes, I'm really, really happy for him.”