Sheffield Wednesday: Keiren Westwood says Owls still need more players

Carlos Carvalhal’s men, who reached the Championship Play-Off final last season, have so far only brought in two new faces: goalkeeper Jake Kean and striker Steven Fletcher.

Defensively Wednesday lack options and it is no secret Carvalhal wants to recruit a minimum of one new centre-back and two left-backs before the transfer window closes on August 31.

The Star understands the Owls have not yet given up hope of bringing Watford full-back Daniel Pudil back to Hillsborough.

Westwood told The Star: “I know we are going to sign a few players but I’d like to see them in the building sooner rather than later. We’ve got to gel and have time together.

“I think we have lost six loan players from last season which is a big number.

“The two left-backs and two centre-backs have gone. Daniel Pudil, Alex Lopez, Vincent Sasso and Michael Turner all played a lot of games. We are missing a lot of experienced players.

“We’ve lost a few in midfield as well so I’d like to see a few more come in as we are a bit thin on the ground. We will see what happens.”

Wednesday’s cause has not been helped by an injury to captain Glenn Loovens. The Dutchman is unlikely to return to action until September after undergoing ankle surgery. In his absence, Sam Hutchinson has admirably filled in and looks set to start at centre-back in their league opener against Aston Villa on August 7.

“It’s a big blow losing Glenn,” conceded Westwood. “He’s the captain of the team and been a very good player for us. It’s a big shame and I’m a really disappointed. We can’t cry over spilt milk. We have just got to get on with it.

“Sam’s a midfielder or a right-back but he’s good enough to slot in anywhere which is a massive bonus.”
“He showed he can play there last year.

“Sam brings real presence to the team. He gets his head on things and is really comfortable on the ball which is great.”