Sheffield Wednesday set for double boost vs Huddersfield Town as duo make 'big difference'
Sheffield Wednesday are poised to welcome Kieran Morrison and Harry Gray back into the equation ahead of the trip to Huddersfield Town.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen is excited to welcome loanees Kieran Morrison and Harry Gray back into his plans ahead of Saturday’s League One tussle with Huddersfield Town at the Accu Stadium.
Morrison, who joined the Owls on loan from Liverpool in August, and Gray, who temporarily swapped Leeds United for Hillsborough in July, have been gaining valuable international experience with Northern Ireland and England Under-19s, respectively, during the recent hiatus.
Morrison featured twice for Northern Ireland, starting last Friday night’s impressive 3-0 win over Ukraine and appearing as a second half substitute in Monday night’s 0-0 draw with Georgia. Meanwhile, Gray made four appearances for the Three Lions youngsters, making two starts and two substitute appearances.
Having each enjoyed a strong international window, both players will be pushing for starting berths ahead of the trip to Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield, who beat Rochdale 5-0 in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy on Tuesday night. The duo have each made four starts for Wednesday so far this season.
With Louie Barry sidelined and Wednesday currently limited in the wide areas, Pedersen has admitted that having Morrison and Gray available makes a “big difference”.
Asked if he had been keep a close eye on the Liverpool loanee during the break, Pedersen told The Star: “Yes, and he also got a little bit of time yesterday (Monday). I’m looking forward to getting them all back again so we can all be together again.
“Yes, of course, there's a big difference if those two guys are here or not, and I'm looking forward to seeing them and getting them integrated and to get them updated with the things we have worked on.”
With Barry unavailable through injury and Morrison and Gray recently spending time away from Hillsborough, Pedersen has given 18-year-old Joel Akpobi a chance to prove his worth on the left flank. He has started the Owls’ last two games, helping them record victories over Salford City and Sunderland Under-21s in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy.
Despite registering an assist against Salford and producing two encouraging performances, Pedersen has hinted that it could be too soon for him to be unleashed in a league fixture.
The Owls boss added: “He’s still very, very young, and he’s doing really, really well. Harry is coming back, and Kieran is also coming back.
“So, he has to train and show it again and again, and then let’s see what happens.”