Sheffield Wednesday: New boy Bennett '˜will need time to adapt'

Bennett earlier this week arrived at Hillsborough on loan from Aston Villa for the rest of the season and is expected to compete with Daniel Pudil for the left back berth.

But Carvalhal hinted that the 25-year-old will not immediately be thrust into action for today’s trip to Reading.

“He has been involved in two or three training sessions,” Carvalhal said.

“We know the value of the player. We know he’s a good left back.

“He needs some time to adapt to the way we play.

“But he is an experienced and clever player. He learns very, very fast and soon he will be ready to play.”

Bennett’s switch to Hillsborough saw him reunite with former Aston Villa team mate Barry Bannan.

He consulted the midfielder on the move and said the Scotland international played a major role in his final decision.

Bannan believes the Rochdale-born full back possesses the quality to push Pudil for a starting place.

He said: “Joe likes to get forward and put crosses into the box. He’s similar to all the full backs we’ve got.

“He’s got a good left foot on him and can score goals so he will definitely be a plus for us.

“That competition keeps everyone on their toes.”

Bannan revealed he told Bennett he would be foolish not to come to Wednesday after they showed interest.

He said: “I just told him to look at the league and how the team has performed over the last couple of months.

“I think he’ll really enjoy it. I don’t think anybody who has come to the club has a bad word to say about it.

“It’s pretty easy for me to tell him to come because I’ve got no doubt he’ll enjoy it.”

Wednesday yesterday completed the permanent signing of Gary Hooper from Norwich City.

Hooper penned a three-and-a-half year deal after switching for an undisclosed fee.

The Owls’ trip to Derby County on April 23 has been switched to a 1pm kick off.