Cooke misses sizzling Sheffield derby

Sheffield Wednesday striker Terry Cooke is unavailable for the local derby against Sheffield United in the Worthington Cup.

Cooke, on-loan from Manchester City, will take no part in the clash as the Blues do not want him becoming cup-tied.

Defenders Steve Harkness and Ian Hendon, on-loan from Blackburn and Northampton respectively, are also out of contention as they are already cup-tied.

Richie Humphreys is likely to come in for Harkness and Matthew Hamshaw looks set to replace Cooke. Forward Andy Booth, out for six weeks with a groin injury, is nearing full fitness and is only one game away from making a return to the first team squad.

Owls boss Paul Jewell is hoping his side will put on a good show to reward the long-suffering Hillsborough faithful.

He said: "I realise what a big game this is for the fans. They have been brilliant in what has proved a difficult season so hopefully we will be able to reward them with a good performance."

Across the city, Sheffield United could be without striker Paul Devlin and midfielder Curtis Woodhouse for the Hillsborough derby battle.

Devlin limped off with a calf injury after 20 minutes at Crystal Palace and Woodhouse picked up a hamstring problem last week.

Blades' assistant manager Kevin Blackwell said: "Either player could be available - it just depends on how they cope in training. They could be out for two days or two weeks."

Blackwell is looking forward to the Owls clash and insists his players are eager to take-on their South Yorkshire rivals.

He said: "Most players want to play in a derby game and a Sheffield derby is as big as any other - you'll see the same passion as you would at Liverpool-Everton.

"I've seen Wednesday three or four times this season and they will be a different kettle of fish to the side that was playing a month ago.

"They are a lot more compact now and play with far more aggression. They have some talented youngsters and it's going to be a very tight game."