Speaking to the Sheffield Star, Sam Hutchinson has insisted Sheffield Wednesday will cope with the absence of Gary Hooper during the Sky Bet Championship’s play-offs.

Hooper has picked up a hamstring injury, and is likely to miss both play-off semi-final legs against Huddersfield Town, which take place on Sunday and Wednesday.

The forward’s absence will be a blow for Carlos Carvalhal, particularly with Hooper excelling throughout April, as Wednesday recorded six victories from seven fixtures.

Steven Fletcher will be expected to lead the line against Town on Sunday, and be partnered with one of Jordan Rhodes, Sam Winnall, Fernando Forestieri or Atdhe Nuhiu.

Despite the blow of Hooper’s absence, Hutchinson remained confident Wednesday would still compete, he said: “Obviously Hoops is a massive miss but we will go again. We are confident we can cope.

“An individual doesn’t make our team. It’s a team sport and we go into the games very confident.

“Look at the strikeforce we have got. We’ve got Fletch, Attey, Winnall and Rhodesy. They are proven goalscorers at this level.”

Hutchinson made his comeback from injury against Fulham on the final day of the season, and Carvalhal will have a tough decision on who to pick in central midfield, with Kieran Lee and Barry Bannan competing with the 27-year old for a starting berth.

Wednesday fans… Do you share Hutchinson’s confidence? Will your club manage in Hooper’s absence? Let us know your thoughts!