While boss Laws has been on the road this week scouting right-backs, Academy manager Sean McAuley and his staff have been taking a look at a group of teenage players from Canadian club Victoria.

The lads have been spending this week at Middlewood as part of an official link-up between the clubs.

Wednesday hope to spot young talent for their youth set-up, while Victoria get expert advice and coaching to aid their own youth system plus the possibility of having youngsters signed up for a start at an English club.

What do you think? Post your comments below.

Some young players from Canada cannot be signed by English outfits because they do not have the necessary citizenship but this week's group was picked to comprise players who have European heritage and are the right age, 15 to 16.

McAuley explained: "Before, we have had some visiting Canadian players who were 13-14, or from 17-18, which meant it was difficult to nail down a registration because they were their too young, or so old that they would have to be signed on professional forms.

"All the current bunch from Canada have the right age and eligibility, and now we are having a good look at them."

Any player who looks good enough could be offered a two-year apprenticeship with the Owls: a goalkeeper has been the first to show promise this week. McAuley added: "Even for those not taken on by us, I'm sure they will learn something and go back talking well of the club, and hopefully we'll see something in the next batch that we take from Canada. . If we do sign someone, obviously there is no guarantee that he will become a first-team player."

The Academy chief was a familiar sight in the first-team dug-out last season but welcomes the fact that he will concentrate solely on the management of the Academy organisation and players this season.

He will be with the Under 18s at Fulham on Saturday for their first match of the campaign.

READ MORE
Football headlines.
Football gossip.
More Owls.
Sports columnists.
All sport categories