Esajas can be new Brunt says Laws

The Northern Ireland international’s 3 million departure to West Brom left Owls fans dismayed and pondering the quality of the replacement.

Now, Esajas has come in and the Wednesday boss is tipping him to meet the challenge.

“He has big boots to fill but I am confident he can,” said Laws.

“We know what Chris Brunt was like but I feel Etienne can be equally exciting. He has certainly excited us in the short time he has been here. He is someone with pace and he can get the crowd off their seats.”

Laws said he had not seen him play when he was told about him by a contact in Holland.

“He pleaded with me to take a look at him, we did so and liked what we saw.

“He wanted to come here and have a real go at English football rather than stay in Holland which he could have done.

“Now it’s up to him.”

Esajas was in the squad for today’s game at Preston and may start.

If not then he could well figure in Tuesday’s home game against Burnley.