“He was disappointed” – Sheffield Wednesday defender Julian Börner on need for Jordan Rhodes to bounce back from Stoke City sub shock

The German centre-half, who spent the first six matches of the Championship season watching on from the sidelines having fallen way down the pecking order under Garry Monk, has been the Owls’ outstanding player in recent weeks.

And Börner was one of the players to watch on and wince as Rhodes was substituted as Wednesday went in search of a winner in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Stoke having only been brought on at half-time.

The club-record signing had failed to make an impact on the match and cut a dejected figure as he slumped into his seat in the South Stand following the bold call from Owls boss Tony Pulis.

Börner said: “It is normal to be disappointed when you come in at half-time and have to go out after 30 or 40 minutes, whether you’re a defender or a striker or a guy with a lot of experience.

“He was disappointed, we were all disappointed that we didn’t win.”

Asked whether he believes Rhodes can bounce back from the disappointment of a turgid afternoon at Hillsborough, Börner had no doubt, explaining that his experience would allow him to do so.

“Of course,” he said. “Jordan has played a lot of games in the Championship and has scored a lot of times. He is an old guy in football!

“He has a meeting with the gaffer on Monday and we will now concentrate on the next game.”

MORE FROM OUR WEDNESDAY WRITING TEAM

"I’ll sort it out on Monday" Tony Pulis on his decision to substitute crestfallen Jordan Rhodes in Sheffield Wednesday's draw with Stoke City

Teeth, snores and an angry striker: SIX big takes from Sheffield Wednesday’s bore draw with Stoke

Player Ratings: Don't concede, don't lose - Sixes galore as Sheffield Wednesday claim another point under Tony Pulis v Stoke City

*

Thank you for reading this article, one of dozens we publish every single day to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club. This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details at www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions/sports.

Your support is much appreciated.

Chris Holt, Football Editor