Lucas Joao says 'thank you' to Sheffield Wednesday fans after his superb second half showing against Preston North End

The Owls front man came on at the beginning of the second half, replacing Sam Hutchinson and his impact was immediate, laying on the first of Atdhe Nuhiu's two goals in the 4-1 win over Preston before finding the net himself.

Joao's deft touch from a Jack Hunt cross provided Nuhiu with the opportunity to fire home the opener within minutes of the restart and soon after the Portuguese's looping header doubled the advantage and sent Wednesday on their way.

Though Louis Moult pulled one back for the visitors, Nuhiu brilliantly struck again before the returning Fernando Forestieri added a gloss to the scoreline.

For Joao, though, it was important to pay tribute to the supporters and their contribution.

"The fans helped and when we are playing and have them behind us, they push us to do better and better," he said. "The atmosphere was amazing and I need to say 'thank you' for their support."

Joao played down his part in the victory, despite his addition to the side prompting an attacking threat that was lacking in the first half of a game that, to that point, Preston had looked in control of.

"Of course I feel happy, happy to help the team and win, that's the most important thing for the team to win," said Joao. "Everybody is happy now."