Garry Monk accepts Sheffield Wednesday pay price for giving youth its chance

Garry Monk accepted naivete cost his Sheffield Wednesday side, but it was the price of giving some of his young players a taste of senior football.
PLEASED: Sheffield Wednesday manager Garry MonkPLEASED: Sheffield Wednesday manager Garry Monk
PLEASED: Sheffield Wednesday manager Garry Monk

The Owls held their own in the first half at Craven Cottage, only to be punished twice for lapses by Premier League Fulham.

Although the hosts were much more comfortable in the second half, they were unable to add to the 2-0 scoreline.

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Monk's side was completely changed from the team which drew with Watford at the weekend, and a knee injury to Alex Hunt gave Liam Waldock his debut. Striker Charles Hagan also made a first appearance from the bench.

“There was no shame in the performance at all. I thought we were competitive for large parts of it,” reflected Monk.

“It came down to a little bit of naivete in the two goals we conceded – with young players on the pitch unfortunately that can happen – and on the other side of it, when we had our big chances if we could have taken one it maybe could have been a little bit of a different game or (at least) we could have put them to a bit more of a test.

“”You've got to understand they're young players and everything is a great experience for them. It's our job to help them.

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“We were facing a quality side and I commend the players for their effort, commitment and energy.

“We can't be pleased we lost but considering we were playing against a Premier League side there were a lot of positives.

“We didn't just play them to get experience, we wanted them to win the game, but inevitably there are some naïve moments.”

Of 19-year-old midfielder Waldock he said: “I thought he was excellent. Alex unfortunately got a knock in training, nothing serious but we didn't want to him so Liam stepped up and I thought he was excellent. He showed energy, was good with the ball and made intelligent runs. He's another one that has potential.”

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