Reason for Pierce Charles return optimism as Sheffield Wednesday make Seny Dieng decision
Sheffield Wednesday have rolled the emergency loan period of Middlesbrough goalkeeper Seny Dieng for another week - though they hope he won’t be needed too much longer.
The Senegal international will take the gloves against Southampton this weekend having arrived in light of injuries to both Pierce Charles and Murphy Cooper and has impressed, making some good saves in his two appearances so far. Wednesday were permitted to bring him in on an emergency agreement that will be rolled over on a seven-day basis until Charles is back to fitness - which could come soon.
“We extended his loan yesterday, so for another seven days, so he could play the game tomorrow,” Owls boss Henrik Pedersen said on Dieng. “Pierce hid some diving first time today and everything went really, really positive. So, we hope he can do some more in the next couple of days and hopefully he can be back soon again.”
Former Manchester City talent Charles has stepped up his fitness behind the scenes and is approaching his return. The Owls take on a three-game week, with a trip to Derby County coming before home clashes with Watford and Ipswich Town. Should things continue to go to plan, it could well be that this proves to be the target for the return of the Northern Ireland number one.
Pedersen said: “I think now we have to see the reaction from the training today and then the beginning of next week and then we will see if we need to wait another week or we can do something next week, but I think in the next one, two weeks we will see him back in the goal again... We know all how big part Pierce has been of our team and Murphy has done a fantastic job and I think he's also done a great job, but we also all know how much he means for our team.”