Sheffield Wednesday: Better to come says Owls goal ace Hooper

Gary Hooper declared Wednesday's performance in their win over Nottingham Forest as one of their best of the season.
Gary Hooper thanks goal provider Fernando Forestieri with Barry BannanGary Hooper thanks goal provider Fernando Forestieri with Barry Bannan
Gary Hooper thanks goal provider Fernando Forestieri with Barry Bannan

But the striker believes the best is still to come from the Owls.

Hooper scored his first goal in six matches as part of the triumph, with Aiden McGeady and Marco Matias also finding the net on a dominant afternoon for Wednesday.

Gary Hooper up against Forest's Eric LichajGary Hooper up against Forest's Eric Lichaj
Gary Hooper up against Forest's Eric Lichaj
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“I think it’s up there with the best, but I think we’ve got a few more to come,” Hooper said.

“We always create chances and we just need to take them.

“We had a few and I thought it was a nice 3-0 win.

“We played really well. We kept the ball well, defended like we normally do and we took our chances.

Gary Hooper up against Forest's Eric LichajGary Hooper up against Forest's Eric Lichaj
Gary Hooper up against Forest's Eric Lichaj

“I think it was a bit of a statement. It was a tough game.

“The first five minutes or so, they kept the ball but we kept them out.

“After that, we got on top and kept the ball really well.”

The victory ensured Wednesday remained in the Championship’s top six on Saturday night, a major positive given they had failed to win any of their previous five matches.

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While the cushion the Owls had built in the top six has been worn away, Hooper insists they are not concerned by how the chasing pack are faring.

Hooper said: “It’s a massive three points because we’ve had a few draws, but we’ve just got to keep going, keep winning and worrying about ourselves.”

Forest had their best period at the start of the second half when they forced Wednesday to drop deep.

But the Owls never lost their composure and grabbed their second goal just after the hour mark.

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Hooper believes the period showed the strength of character in the Owls squad.

He said: “We didn’t panic. We don’t change our game.

“The chances will come with the way we press, and that worked for us.

“Fernando (Forestieri) won the ball back in the middle of the park for the first goal and he did the same for me for the second.

“We pressed really well, that’s how we do it.”