But he is the type of player who can make a difference - as he showed as a substitute at Swansea on Saturday.

A defender by instinct, converted into a midfielder by Wednesday, he can display calmness and craft near goal.

The wily veteran's first touch of the ball - he had been on the field for only 30 seconds - was to head a chipped Marcus Tudgay cross past Dorus De Vries for a 70th-minute equaliser.

It was the former Newcastle United and Everton man's first strike of the season.

But last year, the one-time £4 million Aston Villa defender also had a knack of converting some important chances.

With a win needed at Leicester City in April, Watson turned the game around, cementing the Owls' survival in The Championship.

His 90th-minute goal at West Brom last November brought an unexpected point.

He also put Wednesday ahead in the FA Cup third-round replay against Derby, although the Rams subsequently went on to win a penalty shoot out.

This season he has been either a substitute or been substituted in each of the four Wednesday games.

Owls fans believe the team's Carling Cup performance against Rotherham United las month started to go on the slide when he was withdrawn.

Owls manager Brian Laws said of his strike against the Swans: "I threw Steve on and he is a real impact player.

"He has the knack of timing runs into the box and scoring goals."

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