Sheffield Wednesday: Boss hails forwards after FA Cup win

Goals either side of half-time from Matias and Nuhiu ensured Luhukay made a winning start in his first home match in charge.

“I was happy both strikers scored,” said the Dutchman. “It was important and gives them more confidence.”

Matias, one of eight changes to the starting line-up, lashed in a 28th minute opener in their third round replay at a snowy Hillsborough. The Portuguese forward, who has struggled to hold down a regular first-team place this season, also provided the assist for Nuhiu’s second half strike.

Luhukay said: “He was very dangerous and showed good speed. He scored a good goal.

“He has not played much in the last weeks and months but Carlisle found it difficult to stop him.

“Marco is a player with a lot of speed and can play in two or three positions. I have a player who I can maybe in the next games give him a chance to play.”

Wednesday, who have been heavily linked with Heracles Almelo midfielder Joey Pelupessy in the transfer market, will entertain Reading in the next round of the competition on Friday, January 26.

Luhukay said: “We are happy to be in the next round.

“We worked hard. The team gave a good performance. It was not easy to play today. The weather was very bad and the field was not 100 per cent but the players were concentrated and showed good focus.

“We had three or four good chances in the first half. When we got the second goal, it made the second half a little easier.”

He rested a number of senior players, giving home debuts to young defenders Connor O’Grady and Frederik Nielsen.

“The players have had a tough programme in the last two or three weeks and we have a very small squad,” said Luhukay.