Sheffield Wednesday: Almen Abdi blown away by Hillsborough atmosphere after debut win over Aston Villa

Almen Abdi and Aston Villa's Ross McCormack

Fernando Forestieri scored the only goal of the game in a tight affair which had the home side on top in the first half before Villa improved after the break.

Abdi was making his competitive debut for Wednesday, having signed from Watford two weeks ago, and while the Swiss international admitted that he was pre-warned what to expect from the fans, he seemed a little taken aback.

And the Owls pre-match anthem of 'Hi-ho Sheffield Wednesday' was an instant hit.

Abdi said: "I was told it's brilliant here and it really was. I really enjoyed it, especially when we scored, also in the beginning when they sing - I still have to learn the song. It was fantastic."

"It was great, it's nice to start with a win. It was a fantastic atmosphere, I really enjoyed the game, it was a tough match but finally we got the win, against a good Aston Villa side."

Wednesday had impressed, particularly in the first half, but missed a few chances and it looked as though an entertaining encounter was heading for a goalless draw.

Wednesday fans made a huge noise throughout their match against Aston Villa

However, Forestiewri latched onto a mistake from Villa keeper Pierluigi Gollini, to secure the three points with five minutes of normal time remaining.

Abdi added that the team maintained a belief throughout, that they could snatch the victory.

"We are always believing," he said. "We played well but in the first 20 minutes of the second half they came out stronger so it was tough but like I said, we believe in our qualities and we were patient enough to score late on.

"It is very important (to get off to a winning start). The gaffer told us before that we have to have a better start than last year. We have a clean sheet, we played well as a team and in the end we scored the winning goal. Fernando did brillaintly and everybody's happy.

"I know Fernando for a few years and he has great quality. He had a few chances and didn't score but he was alone in front of the goal and I had no doubt he would score and I am very happy for him."