Brave Barry Bannan has the attitude Sheffield Wednesday need, says boss

Monk revealed that the Scot has been struggling with injury in recent weeks but chose to battle through the pain to attempt to pull Wednesday out of their poor run of form.

However, that pain increased last week and it was thought necessary to give Bannan a break, though as it turned out he was called into the action at half time.

It is the fact that Bannan was willing to push himself for the team that impressed Monk and he believes this to be the kind of mindset that if it spreads through the squad will help lift the gloom.

“Baz has been carrying an injury, it's got progressively worse,” said Monk.

“He's played through it but last week it just got a little bit too sore and with how we geared up as well (it was best to let him rest).

“These are decisions that aren't just tactical, players have been injured, we've been lacking in some positions, players are playing with injuries and that's the type of mentality you want.

“That's the mentality I'm looking for, but also you have to gauge if it's affecting his performance or affecting himself physically. That was the reason for last week but he's been back in training, he's back fresh and will look forward to this weekend.”