Danny Röhl offers suggestive explanation for Michael Smith's Sheffield Wednesday absence

Five unanswered second half goals earned Wednesday the win after going behind before the break. One striker not involved was target man forward Michael Smith, who has been the subject of transfer interest from clubs including Wrexham in recent weeks.

Though big-money addition Ike Ugbo was always set to lead the line for at Grimsby as he looks to continue to build his conditioning after his late arrival to the summer, Smith was set to be named in the matchday squad and travelled with the side to Lincolnshire before talks with his manager this morning. Tellingly, two goalkeepers; James Beadle and Jack Hall, were named on the bench.

“He trained in the morning,” Röhl said when asked on Smith’s status. “Let’s see with Michael what happens there. In the morning I had a good conversation with him, he is a great character and in January we made a decision and he played a lot in the second leg. Maybe more than he expected. Let’s see where we are on Friday and when you can ask me again with transfers.”

With a few days to go until the transfer window closes, the German boss avoided questions regarding the club’s last pursuit of transfers beyond explaining his encouragement at the capture of loan midfielder Shea Charles from Southampton. The Star understands the Owls will continue to chase more firepower with question marks over Smith’s future remaining. Callum Paterson, who scored two goals in the Grimsby win, is believed to be available for a move while youngster Bailey Cadamarteri will move out on loan.