Battling Jordan Rhodes' fight 'through adversity' praised by Sheffield Wednesday team-mate

Rhodes ended a 20-month wait for an Owls goal with a spectacular hat-trick in their 4-0 thumping of Nottingham Forest last weekend.

The 29-year-old, farmed out on loan to Norwich City during the 2018/19 campaign after failing to shine at Hillsborough, is expected to spearhead Wednesday's attack when they return to action at home to Bristol City on Sunday.

Reach told The Star: "All the boys were delighted for Jordan to get a hat-trick. I think he showed in that first half the Jordan Rhodes that everyone knows is there. Hopefully that can continue."

On Rhodes' struggles in recent years, the winger said: "It is one of those things. To be successful, you need lots of things to click at the right time.

"He has been at a club where we have had a lot of strikers and a few setbacks in play-offs which doesn't help people's confidence.

"You see the strength in someone's character when they come through adversity and come out the other side.

"So I am delighted for Jordan he has come through this period."

The pair are good friends off the pitch.

"Jordan and I are close; we were with each other at Middlesbrough," said Reach. "Everyone goes through different spells of form and you find yourself out of the team.

"He has never complained once and he has worked hard every day in training.

"He has been disappointed when he has not had the opportunity (to play) but he showed at Forest the Jordan Rhodes that everyone knows is there.

"I am proud of Jordan and I am delighted for the team and the fans.”

Garry Monk's side climbed up to fifth in the Championship after picking up maximum points at the City Ground.

Reach said: "We controlled the game from start to finish.

"We have been saying for a while that sort of performance was coming and some team was going to pay the price for it.

"We possibly could have been a little more ruthless but it was good to keep a clean sheet.”