Sheffield Wednesday: How Jos Luhukay fought off a cough during press conference

The Owls boss had made a good start to media affairs at the Owls' Middlewood trainng complex when he was almost forced out of proceedings.

A referee would have stopped play when the Dutchman suddenly took a turn for the worse as he attempted to field a question about centre-forward Hooper's state of health.

A coughing fit held up the answer of the boss who was politely apologetic to journalists from the Star, Yorkshire Post and Radio Sheffield.

"Sorry, I normally have water here," he gasped during his struggle to regulate his breath.

Talking points from the press conference

Wednesday communications chief Trevor Braithwait was on it like a flash, leaving the room with the speed of striker Lucas Joao in search of a reviving dose of liquid.

A bottle of water duly did the job of the magic sponge and Luhukay's delivery was quickly back on its feet.

The manager was in a decent mood, laughing before the serious stuff began at reporters' good-natured jibes about his already-infamous manner of straight-batting queries on transfers.

Stoke City, a Premier League outfit last season, could present tough opposition at Hillsborough on Saturday, but three successive Championship victories have left Luhukay and the Owls fancying their chances.

More misery for Kieran Lee

The news from the treatment table wasn't great, with setbacks for Lee and Winnall. However, Michael Hector and fellow new boy Josh Onomah were both in the building for the first time after international duty to give everyone a lift.

Lee, Winnall, Hooper and Hutchinson won't make the Potters clash, but Luhukay was back to full fitness in double-quick time and will take his place in the Hillsborough technical area.

Win No 4 against a side tipped by many for promotion? He'd drink to that.