Reason behind Michael Smith black eye and wrist strapping confirmed as Sheffield Wednesday battler plays through minor injury

The Owls swatted away a low-level Morecambe resistance on Tuesday to extend their unbeaten run to 18 matches without a number of key players.

Josh Windass and Michael Smith combined as the only recognised forwards available on the night, with Lee Gregory and Mallik Wilks out owing to illness and injury respectively.

And Wedesday boss Darren Moore confirmed Smith himself is nursing the recovery of a minor injury that admittedly was never going to keep him out of match contention – easing questions from supporters over a black eye and wrist strapping worn by the Geordie battler in their last two matches.

“He dislocated one of his fingers in training I think it was – it might have been a game,” Moore told The Star. “But it’s healing nicely, he’s wearing one of those protective shields over that.

“And then I think he’s taken one [a shot to the eye] on Saturday – so he looks like he’s been in the wars.”

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Smith battled hard up top andcollected his 15th goal contribution of the season with an assist for his strike partner Windass.

“I thought he led the line well tonight [against Morecambe]. He gives us a platform to build off and he had a couple of chances to add to his tally. Only last-ditch defending from them stopped him from adding to his tally. He can be really pleased with his performance.”