Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl admits he is “very happy” as a popular Owls player recovers from injury ahead of the weekend action.
Sheff Wed’s relegation battle
Rohl’s side may still be languishing near the bottom of the Championship table, but there is no doubt that a feeling of positivity has returned to the club.
Wednesday have won three of their last four matches, and there have been late goals against the likes of Leicester City, Stoke City and Queens Park Rangers, highlighting how the mentality has improved within the squad.
There is still a lot of work for the Owls to do in the relegation battle, but they are now only six points adrift of safety, which is a far smaller margin than earlier in the season, when it arguably looked as though they were doomed to an immediate League One return.
On Saturday afternoon, Wednesday welcome Cardiff City to Hillsborough before a trip to Coventry City on Boxing Day. A visit to Preston North End and a home tie against Hull City round off the festive period, with Cardiff returning to South Yorkshire for their FA Cup third-round match-up.
This latest clash should be seen as another winnable fixture, even though the Bluebirds are 12th in the table currently, with their opponents winless in six of their last eight clashes. The Owls, meanwhile, have earned 10 points from a possible 15 to haul themselves off the foot of the Championship table.
Rohl has been boosted in the injury department ahead of the game, too, as this positive period continues.
Callum Paterson injury boost
According to The Sheffield Star‘s Joe Crann, who cited Rohl’s quotes, Callum Paterson is “back” from injury for Sheffield Wednesday and in contention to face Cardiff on Saturday afternoon.
This is brilliant news for anyone of a Wednesday persuasion, with Paterson someone who has become a cult hero at the club in recent years.
While not necessarily the most gifted footballer around, the Scot always gives his all for the cause, and his ability to play in different positions is a great weapon for any manager to have. Former Owls manager Darren Moore lauded the 29-year-old in the past, saying:
“He works so tirelessly and is an important member of the team. He adds so much versatility. He has played in midfield, defence and up front this season.”
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It remains to be seen if Rohl throws Paterson straight back into his starting lineup against Cardiff this weekend, but regardless, he is going to play a big part in the relegation fight between now and the end of the season by putting his versatility and experience to good use – and no doubt chipping in with some important goals along the way.
