Sheffield Wednesday: Backing for Jordan Rhodes after penalty pain in defeat to Leeds United

Rhodes saw his second half spot-kick tipped on the post superbly by goalkeeper Robert Green as Leeds secured their first league double over the Owls in 17 years.

Chris Wood proved to be the West Yorkshire outfit’s hero, bagging his 20th league goal of the season. His 24th minute strike sentenced Wednesday to their second Championship defeat inside five days.

Since finding the back of the net on his home debut, against Birmingham City, Rhodes has now gone four matches without scoring and was withdrawn midway through the second half of Saturday’s Yorkshire derby.

But captain Loovens refused to criticise the striker for missing from 12 yards.

“Jordan worked really hard for us,” he told The Star. “Things happen and everyone will miss penalties in their careers.

“He just has to keep his head up and keep going. I’m sure Jordan will get his joy and score the goals for us.”

Dutch centre-half Loovens felt Wednesday were unfortunate to leave Elland Road empty-handed.

“We deserved something out of the game,” said the defender. “It is tight in derbies and it was a big game for both teams.

“I thought we did well and won our battles. We played some good stuff and created chances. It was one way traffic at times but you have to put the ball in the back of the net.

“If you don’t score, sometimes it only takes one chance for them and you lose 1-0.

“The good thing about this league is there are a lot more games to come so we have to focus on the next one and put things right.”