Sheffield Wednesday player makes welcome return to action

Wildsmith, fit-again after recovering from a serious knee injury suffered in pre-season, played in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat at Leeds United on Monday.

The academy graduate completed the full 90 minutes as the Owls were edged out by a second half strike from Mateuz Bogusz.

Wednesday manager Garry Monk said: "It is great to see him back. I am excited to see him as well. I have seen good bits of him.

"Like Cameron [Dawson] in terms of goalkeeping ages, he is still relatively young but there is a lot of potential in the pair of them. They are the future of the club for sure."

Wildsmith, 23, was part of strong Owls side at Thorp Arch, featuring Ash Baker, David Bates, Joey Pelupessy and Sam Winnall. Baker, Bates and Winnall played all game while defensive midfielder Pelupessy was taken off just before the hour mark.

"It was probably the last chance to get minutes into players who we think needed it," said Monk. "It was a benefit for them to play.

"It is very important to have options in these winter months. The schedule is full on and relentless.

"Everyone knows what to expect but it is where you need the strength of the squad to be as strong as possible."

Wednesday's development squad entertain Nottingham Forest in their final fixture of 2019 on Friday. The clash is pencilled in to take place at Hillsborough, kick-off 1pm.