Does Kadeem Harris suspension open up a space for Matt Penney at Sheffield Wednesday?
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Despite a confident appeal from Wednesday, they will now be without the 27-year-old for this weekend’s clash with Millwall, followed by difficult trips to Preston and Swansea.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Owls boss Garry Monk said that a suspension would offer an opportunity to someone else in the squad and the news has prompted discussion over who will come in for wing-back Harris, who has been a near ever-present for the side this season.
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Hide AdThere has been debate over the role of Matt Penney in recent weeks, who after a bright start has not featured in the league since the second day of the season and featured for the club’s under-23 side in midweek.
Asked about Penney’s pathway into the first team, Monk said: “I have said from the start that I think a lot of Matt. I think his ability is there.
“But there are a lot more things that go into it than ability.
“Matt knows what he needs to do and the difficulty for him and with younger lads is that we’re in an abnormal season.
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Hide Ad“Normally you get a little bit more time to nurture that and you give them a little bit more time to make mistakes or build their level of performance but we don't have that luxury this season.”
Utility man Adam Reach is the likely name to line up on the left, though the position has also been filled fleetingly by Liam Palmer and Moses Odubajo.
“When you come into the first-team set-up, you have to make your mark,” Monk said. “You have to be nearly perfect.
“It is difficult to do that and I don't expect that but I know in the back of my mind what we have to deliver. I am trying to guide them through that.
“Matt will come back. I have no doubt about that.
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Hide Ad“He will come back strong and react and when his opportunity comes he has to take it. In that frying pan, you have to deliver.”