TV pundit delivers his verdict on Sheffield Wednesday star Jordan Rhodes after the striker's hat-trick at Nottingham Forest

Pundit Ian Holloway has heaped praise on Jordan Rhodes after the striker's match-winning contribution in Sheffield Wednesday's comprehensive win over Nottingham Forest.
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Rhodes claimed a stunning first half hat-trick to help the Owls thump promotion rivals Forest 4-0 at the City Ground.

The 29-year-old, who has struggled to hit top form and hold down a regular starting berth since joining the Hillsborough outfit in a club-record £8m deal from Middlesbrough in February 2017, scored three times in 28 minutes. He completed his treble in spectacular fashion, dispatching an unstoppable overhead kick past Brice Samba.

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Steven Fletcher, Rhodes' strike partner, prodded in the fourth to cap off an impressive first period.

Speaking on the Quest highlights show on Saturday night, ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager Holloway said: "I am so pleased for him. Form goes in and out and class is forever.

"He [Rhodes] knows where the net is. He is one of the best and he is helping a great team get going again."

Brentford and Derby County have recently taken a swipe at the Owls, accusing Garry Monk's side of being a physical, direct team. Indeed, Rhodes' opener came from Fletcher flicking on Cameron Dawson's long kick upfield.

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But Holloway has defended their brand of football under boss Garry Monk.

Hat trick hero Jordan RhodesHat trick hero Jordan Rhodes
Hat trick hero Jordan Rhodes

"He [Monk] has changed his style a little bit because he wants to get the ball to the big lads up front and play off that," he said. "It is not a long ball at all.

"You have got to play the right ball with the players they have got."

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