Summer signing has given Sheffield Wednesday boss 'a good challenge' ahead of Notts County test
Henrik Pedersen is faced with a selection dilemma ahead of Tuesday evening’s League One clash with Notts County.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen has said Max Lowe’s return from injury presents him with “a good challenge” in terms of team selection ahead of Tuesday night’s trip to Meadow Lane to face Notts County.
Lowe returned from an eight-game absence caused by a hamstring injury during Wednesday’s 5-0 win over AFC Wimbledon at Hillsborough on Saturday afternoon, stepping off the bench to replace Di’Shon Bernard with just over 15 minutes remaining.
He slotted in at left-sided centre-back, partnering fellow substitute Gabriel Otegbayo in the heart of the defence, and helped Wednesday secure a fourth successive clean sheet at home across all competitions.
Fellow left-back Reece James was playing to Lowe’s left, having started a seventh consecutive League One fixture. He had earlier registered his first assist of the season, delivering an excellent cross that Callum Slattery tapped home to score Wednesday’s fourth goal of the game.
James, who returned to Hillsborough in August, has been a strong and dependable performer for the Owls in recent weeks, meaning Lowe faces a challenge to win back his place in the starting XI in his natural position.
Nevertheless, Pedersen is only too happy to be faced with the selection dilemma James has created for him.
”Reece has been really, really strong, and it's a good challenge for the manager,” Pedersen told The Star with a smile on his face. “It's positive, and to have Max back is fantastic.”
Although Lowe, who signed a new contract to stay at Hillsborough during the summer, was only on the pitch for 16 minutes, he made two clearances, blocked one shot, made one recovery and completed 91 per cent of his attempted passes.
Delighted to have the former Derby County defender back available, Pedersen added: “It was nice to see him again on the pitch. He came in as a left centre-back instead of a left-back, but he did well and I'm happy that he's back.”