Henrik Pedersen outlines key Max Lowe strength after making impressive Sheffield Wednesday return
Sheffield Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen has highlighted the experience Max Lowe brings to the table after recently returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The 28-year-old, who joined the Owls from cross-city rivals Sheffield United almost two years ago, made his return from a long-term calf injury prior to the international break, coming off the bench in the 3-1 defeat to Hull City at the MKM Stadium.
It marked Lowe’s first appearance since Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat to promotion-chasing Ipswich Town at Portman Road on December 20. After coming through that substitute appearance unscathed, he has since started each of the Owls’ last three matches.
After playing his part in helping Wednesday earn a point on Easter Monday, drawing 1-1 with Leicester City, he played a starring role in helping the Owls secure just a fourth clean sheet of the season with a 0-0 draw against Coventry City at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Saturday.
Lowe made 18 defensive contributions against the Sky Blues, featuring 12 clearances, three tackles and proving victorious in seven of his ten duels.
Lowe is out-of-contract at Hillsborough this summer and Wednesday will be desperate to convince him to sign a new deal.
Pedersen, ahead of the trip to Coventry, expressed his hunger to keep the versatile defender, and his performance against the Championship table-toppers only strengthened his desire.
“Yes, I'm happy for many of the players, and I'm also very happy for Max,” Pedersen told The Star. “I think he has been out for such a long time and now it's his third game where he played from the start.
“So, of course, it's a strong performance if you think how few minutes he has played in the last period.”
Lowe also represents a pillar of experience and leadership, as well as bringing balance to the left side of Wednesday’s defence.
With Wednesday continuing to rely on several youngsters to help them navigate their way through their last few matches this season, Pedersen has highlighted Lowe’s importance in that regard.
The Owls boss continued: “For the young guys, of course, it's helped that they have experienced players around them. He's one of the guys, Liam [Palmer], Nate [Chalobah], Svante [Ingelsson] [are the others], that help each other to keep the connection in the team.
“We know the young guys can sometimes start to play alone when they are tired. But the experienced players, who are also good leaders, will keep the connection in the team.
“And those connections, we kept them to the end today and that's why we could create a result.”