What Garry Monk said about how 'adaptable' Sheffield Wednesday starlet Osaze Urhoghide can nail down a place in the first team

Sheffield Wednesday manager Garry Monk believes 19-year-old defender Osaze Urhoghide can ‘nail down’ a place in the Owls starting line-up in the future after producing a fairytale debut that made national headlines.
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The youngster, who was a shock inclusion in the Wednesday side that breezed past Premier League Brighton in the FA Cup on Saturday, was given the reward of a place at right-back after impressing in training over several weeks.

And with Liam Palmer’s ankle injury likely to rumble on and Moses Odubajo seemingly out of favour, many are now questioning whether Urhoghide – who has played much of his under-23 football at centre-half – can secure a regular starting berth.

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One man who has no doubt as to his long-term credentials is Owls boss Garry Monk, who when asked about Urhoghide’s best position told The Star: “He's adaptable.

“It will be one for me to decide but it is good that he can cover both right-back and centre-back.

“I just felt there was an opening at right-back and I knew he would be able to do it.

“He has done it in training with us and at centre-half. Credit to him as well that he has got the adaptability to do it.

“He will eventually nail down one of those positions.”

Owls youngster Osaze Urhoghide has what it takes to nail down a regular place in the first team, according to Garry Monk.Owls youngster Osaze Urhoghide has what it takes to nail down a regular place in the first team, according to Garry Monk.
Owls youngster Osaze Urhoghide has what it takes to nail down a regular place in the first team, according to Garry Monk.
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Urhoghide, who’s passionate post-match interview went viral online and attracted praise from the likes of Gary Lineker, Peter Crouch and Ian Wright, said that he is delighted to be learning from the likes of club captain Tom Lees and that he is happy playing anywhere across the back four.

“To be fair, I can play either position,” he said.

“My main position is centre-back but I can play right-back as well.

“I have even occasionally played left-back as well for the 23s.

“I have played all across the back four for the 23s. I am a versatile player.

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“It is great to learn from them,” he added on the experience in the squad. “Tom has made lots of appearances during his career.

“It is great to have the experienced players around me.

“Everyone has spoken to me and made me feel welcome and made me feel comfortable with the team. Everyone has helped me out.”