Sheffield Wednesday chief Steve Bruce on Joe Wildsmith and the reason behind Keiren Westwood’s absence against Preston North End
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The academy graduate has not featured since August 28, having fallen behind Keiren Westwood and Cameron Dawson in the battle for a starting spot.
But Wildsmith, an unused substitute in Saturday's thrilling 3-3 draw at Preston North End, could be given a run-out when the Owls welcome the R's to Hillsborough on Sunday.
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Hide AdTherer were eyebrows raised over Westwood's absence from the matchday squad at Deepdale. The experienced shot-stopper was left out, despite having recovered from the knee injury he sustained at Premier League-bound Norwich City, as manager Steve Bruce kept faith with Dawson in goal.
Bruce told The Star: "I wanted to have a look at big Cammy. Maybe there is an opportunity next week to have a look at Joe Wildsmith too. We think a lot of Joe.
"I will make a decision next week on who will play."
The former Manchester United defender described their first half display against Preston as "awful". The Owls trailed 2-0 at half time thanks to a Jayden Stockley header and a Tom Lees own goal.
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Hide AdBut Atdhe Nuhiu's introduction as a 67th-minute replacement for Tottenham Hotspur's loanee Josh Onomah lifted Wednesday. Nuhiu set up Fernando Forestieri for the Owls' second before getting on the scoresheet himself.
Defender Dominic Iorfa was shown a straight red card for a poor challenge on Preston full-back Darnell Fisher.
Bruce said: "There were a few words said at half-time and then in the second half we did the basics right and asked them a question. I thought our subs coming on gave us a bit of impetuous.
"I thought we still threw everything at them with ten men and we nearly could have won it at the end.
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Hide Ad"I have to say the second half, for a neutral in awful conditions, was a great game and advert for the Championship.
"In the end, I have got to be pleased. I wish we had played like we did in the second half in the first and then we would have been worthy winners."
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