New boy's straight up to speed

HE'S not ready to challenge Asafa Powell just yet but Sheffield Wednesday's speedy new signing Etienne Esajas is proving the quickest player on the books.

When the club did a sprint test of their first team squad, it was the new Dutch winger from Vitesse Arnhem who led the way.

"He came out on top," said Owls boss Brian Laws.

"Jermaine Johnson and Wade Small are quick but in the test we did Etienne was quicker than them.

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"There's some pace there and he can run like hell with the ball as well. Of course, it's no good just being quick, you have to be able to see a pass and he can do that."

Laws said Esajas had "breezed into the place" and had made the other players look at him.

"He's still getting to know everyone but he's settled down really well and been a breath of fresh air, which is just what you want when someone new comes in," he said.

"There is sometimes a language barrier when you bring in a foreign player but that's not a problem and he communicates very well.

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"The problem was with me getting to know how to pronounce his name - I think I've mastered it now."

Esajas made his debut when going on as a sub in the last game against Bristol City. He could be lined up to face Preston today.