Sheffield Wednesday in Portugal: Consistency holds the key to Owls success, says skipper Tom Lees

That is the verdict of Owls captain Tom Lees as Steve Bruce's men press ahead with their preparations for the 2019/20 season.

Centre-back Lees says Wednesday need to get off to a fast start when they return to action next month.

Lees, who has played over 200 times for the Owls since moving to Hillsborough nearly five years ago, told The Star: "I think it is important that we have a consistent full season.

"We have to be organised from minute one from that first game and not take five, six or seven games to get going. We have to realise our best team and have a set way of playing and not start at Christmas."

Why Steve Bruce thinks the Championship promotion race is a tough one to call

Bruce transformed Wednesday's fortunes after taking over the reins at the back end of January, overseeing just three defeats from 18 outings as the club finished 12th last term.

And Lees is confident they can do even better this time around.

"At a club like ours, the aim every year is to go up and that won't change," he said.

"You can look at what we did last season but I think that counts for very little because everybody is starting again from afresh and we have got new teams in the division now. People will be signing players and a lot of teams will look different to last year.

"I think you've just got to worry about yourselves.

"We have got to get as fit and ready as we can over the next six weeks because this is where you can do all your planning."

Bruce is determined to get his players into tip-top shape for the relentless 10-month marathon that is the Championship.

And the team are currently taking part in vigorous training routines as part of their 10-day warm-weather training camp.

Lees said: "It’s very hard work but it’s something you have to do if you want to succeed in the Championship.

“You have to have the fitness base and build from there. It’s all about the running at this stage and the rest will follow.”

Dom Howson’s video diary from Portugal