Sheffield Wednesday: Carlos Carvalhal dedicates Huddersfield win to absent Steven Fletcher

The three-goal star was not involved in yesterday’s Yorkshire derby due to “personal reasons”, with Wednesday claiming maximum points thanks to Fernando Forestieri’s 69th minute penalty at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Carvalhal told The Star: “He wished a lot to be with us but he had a family problem. He’s living a difficult moment.

“He sent a message and was in our hearts.

“This victory is for him and his family.”

In an interview in the Sunday Post, Fletcher revealed he could have moved to China or Russia before opting to join the Owls on a free transfer last July.

The former Burnley and Sunderland forward said: “When I came to the end of my contract at Sunderland, there were a few random offers, none of them set in stone. All, ‘Do you want to come and speak to us’.

“I’ve got a young family, so I don’t think it was the right time.

“My wife is pregnant as well – she’s due any minute.”

Carvalhal admits he does not yet know whether Fletcher will be available for selection when the Owls resume their Championship campaign against Neil Warnock’s Cardiff City side on Wednesday night.

However, the Portuguese chief was delighted with their workmanlike performance against the Terriers, who missed the chance to go back to the top of the table after suffering their first home defeat of the season.

He said: “We deserved to win. We had more of the clear chances.

“The players knew exactly what to expect and they did absolutely fantastic.

“It was a victory for a strong collective.”