WEDNESDAY'S Chelsea new boy, Jimmy Smith, is taking a lead from Frank Lampard in a bid to get goals and boost the Owls' Championship challenge.
Smith, signed on a six-month loan from Stamford Bridge, has followed goalscoring midfield Lampard's example in putting extras work into his finishing and believes it is paying off.
"It's something I've worked on, after looking at the likes of Lamps, and it seems to come more naturally to me now," said Smith.
"Lamps is the sort of player who wants to keep on improving; after training he'll stay out there to work on finishing, and I've worked on mine as well.
"I've been with Chelsea since the age of nine. I get on very well with Lamps and John Terry and there's a great spirit at the club."
Smith was top scorer for Chelsea reserves two seasons ago and hit five goals in his first eight games in a loan stay at QPR in the 2006/07 season.
Some of his goals were headers as he is 6ft and was used by Chelsea at set-piece,s but he says he is two-footed and can play on either flank or down the middle.
Smith is also an admirer of Steven Gerrard.
"I'd like to think I try to play the same way as him as I like to get on the scoresheet and play passes with either foot," he said.
He jumped at the chance to join the Owls, saying: "I'm glad to be here. I had no second thoughts. Now I just want to knuckle down and try to perform well."
Meanwhile, Coventry today denied reports that they have made a £1 million bid for Owls captain Richard Wood.
Chairman Ray Ranson said: "We have made a number of inquiries for players but we have not made any bids yet."
Coventry are looking for a centre-half and are believed to admire Wood.
But it is understood there has been no contact from Sky Blues manager Chris Coleman to Owls boss Brian Laws.
Owls chief executive Kaven Walker has already said that the Owls are under no pressure to sell any player.
Wood was appointed team captain this week and Laws believes that he an important part to play in the club's future.
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