Neil Thompson will keep a close eye on progress of former Sheffield Wednesday player

Sheffield Wednesday will keep a close eye on the progress of one of their former players after he left in a surprise deadline day move, caretaker boss Neil Thompson has said.
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Republic of Ireland youth international Conor Grant signed for League One Rochdale for an undisclosed fee in what was the only transfer involving Wednesday on the last day of the transfer window. The terms of the transfer are believed to involve a sell-on clause.

Attacking midfielder Grant made his Owls first team debut, ironically at Rochdale, in the Carabao Cup earlier this season. Under-23 football, of which Grant was a central part at Middlewood Road, has been limited this season due to the restricting nature of the coronavirus pandemic.

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Asked about the youngster after Wednesday’s impressive 2-1 win at Bournemouth on Tuesday evening, Thompson said: “Conor wants to play football.

“I think the way the deal was done, and I won’t go into details, was beneficial for both clubs.

“Conor wants to play first-team football so we wish him well and will watch it with interest.”

Speaking after he made the move to the Lancashire side, where he links up with former Owls midfielder and now Dale boss Brian Barry-Murphy, Grant said:

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“My agent said to me a couple of weeks ago that Sheffield Wednesday were talking about a loan, but the gaffer here wanted a permanent deal, which I was all for. I’m really looking forward to working with him.

Owls caretaker management team Neil Thompson and Lee Bullen.Owls caretaker management team Neil Thompson and Lee Bullen.
Owls caretaker management team Neil Thompson and Lee Bullen.

“I think I can develop a lot here, to be honest. I want to get as many minutes as I can and hopefully kick on.”

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Departed Sheffield Wednesday youngster Conor Grant (top) celebrates an Owls u-23 goal with Eyad Hammoud.Departed Sheffield Wednesday youngster Conor Grant (top) celebrates an Owls u-23 goal with Eyad Hammoud.
Departed Sheffield Wednesday youngster Conor Grant (top) celebrates an Owls u-23 goal with Eyad Hammoud.

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