Former Huddersfield Town manager Danny Cowley has suggested that Jonathan Hogg’s return to action from injury is huge for the Terriers following his impact in their 1-0 win at QPR on Saturday.

Hogg came back into the side for the first time since the Terriers’ impressive 4-1 win against Swansea City back in February, with the experienced midfielder having been sidelined in recent weeks with a calf injury. Carlos Corberan’s side failed to win any of the four matches that he missed and scored just one goal during that period.

However, Hogg’s return helped to spark an improved performance from the Terriers and helped them to claim a vital 1-0 win against QPR. The midfielder won three duels and made one tackle and one interception, as well as making one key pass and averaging a 75% passing accuracy (Sofascore). That shows how influential he was both defensively and helping to build the play.

Speaking to EFL on Quest, Cowley heaped praise on Hogg’s qualities and suggested that the midfielder’s return is huge for them because he brings a lot of substance and experience to the starting line-up.

He said: “Hogg is a fantastic professional. I’ve had the pleasure of working with him the last year and he brings so much to the team, not just his ability as a player but also the substance he brings.

“When he plays he gives them the grit and determination they need.”

The verdict

It is unsurprising to hear how much Cowley respects the qualities and ability of Hogg, with the former Lincoln City manager having been an admirer of the midfielder during his brief spell in charge of the Terriers last term. Corberan has also been able to get the best out of the 32-year-old and there is the sense that when he does not play they find it a real struggle to win games.

Hogg will have a major part to play for the Terriers during the end-of-season run-in and you feel if he stays fit then there will be no need to be concerned about the prospect of being dragged back into a potential relegation battle. The midfielder came back into the side and showed that he is now well over any injury issues that he was facing.

The 32-year-old often gets overlooked at times by others outside of the club, but Cowley is right to praise him so highly having worked with him last season. Hogg continues to be an excellent servant for the Terriers and he will be vital in helping them pick up more wins between now and the season’s end.