Sheffield Wednesday: Owls challenged to make fast start against Tractor Boys

Carlos Carvalhal’s charges are bidding to get back to winning ways following their controversial defeat away to Derby County last weekend.

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Left-sided player Reach told The Star: “If we start well and attack aggressively from the start like we did at Derby, I’m sure we will come out with the three points.

“We all know we could have been 1-0 ahead after the opening seven minutes or so at Derby.

“The first goal in Championship games is always vital so hopefully we can get that.”

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The Owls take on an Ipswich side who sit in 16th position after a run of just two victories from their last nine Championship matches.

“It will be tough,” admitted Reach. “Ipswich are always set up well by Mick McCarthy.

“All 11 players know what their responsibilities and don’t try to do anything too spectacular.

“Ipswich are in a similar boat to us where they are maybe not scoring as freely as they would like in front of goal but they will be a tough test.

Tractor Boys chief McCarthy is the 10th longest-serving boss in English football’s top four divisions but he was heavily criticised following the team’s recent home draw with bottom-of-the-table Rotherham United.

McCarthy said: “The criticism doesn’t hurt in terms of upsetting me personally. It hurts because it means I am not getting the results I think we should be getting.

“I understand the frustration from the supporters. It’s up to us to turn that around. Only we can do that.”

Meanwhile, Owls striker George Hirst has been selected in the England Under-18 squad for their double-header with Poland and France later this month.

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