'He was brilliant' - Sheffield Wednesday skipper hails Barry Bannan after Bristol City win

Bannan capped a man-of-the-match performance by coolly slotting in an 85th minute penalty to see off a gritty Robins side at Hillsborough.

The 30-year-old took the responsibility from the spot in the absence of top-scorer Steven Fletcher, keeping his cool from 12 yards to send Robins goalkeeper Daniel Bentley the wrong way.

Defender Lees said: "Any side is going to miss Fletch but it was a real effort from all the boys.

"[Bannan] was brilliant and, under that big pressure, stepped up, cool as you like. I'm so happy for him that he got that goal."

Bannan's penalty settled a largely dour clash and lifted Garry Monk’s men up to third at the halfway mark of the season.

"It's a big moment," said Bannan. "Results kind of went our way yesterday (on Saturday). We knew it was a massive game.

"We know there's a long way to go in the season but it's always good to win games like this.

"I am glad we delivered the points. On behalf of the rest of the squad, merry Christmas and a happy New Year."

Wednesday return to action on Boxing Day when they travel to second-from-bottom Stoke City. Monk is keeping his fingers crossed that Steven Fletcher will be fit to face the Potters. The twelve-goal forward missed the Robins clash due to illness.