‘The challenge is hard for him’ – but Sheffield Wednesday figure taking situation with class

Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen has praised club captain Liam Palmer for handling his reduced playing time with class. The 517-appearance defender has found League One starts harder to come by this season, with Yan Valery primarily preferred on the right side of defence. Despite Palmer starting only one league match so far, Pedersen highlighted his vital influence on the pitch and in the dressing room.

Palmer remains second on Wednesday's all-time appearance list, closing in on Andrew Wilson's record of 546 outings. Although players like Barry Bannan and Liam Cooper have worn the captain's armband in his absence, Pedersen confirmed regular communication with Palmer, who has still featured in seven of the team's 10 competitive matches this campaign.