Injury fears allayed as Sheffield Wednesday defender hopes for minutes in Kazakhstan
Any concerns over the fitness of Sheffield Wednesday defender, Gabriel Otegbayo, have been allayed after an update from his national team.
The Owls defender is currently away with the Republic of Ireland U21s for their UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier, earning a call-up back into the international setup on the back of some very solid performances in a Wednesday shirt.
Some Wednesdayites were concerned last week when it was noted that the 21-year-old wasn’t in Jim Crawford’s matchday squad for the game against Moldova, fearing that he may have picked up a knock whilst out of the country, however it would appear that his absence was purely a selection decision.
The ROI youngsters went on to draw that game 1-1 as their hopes of reaching the U21 Euros took a hit, but they do have another chance at redemption on Tuesday afternoon as they go up against Kazakhstan, and they need to pick up all three points if they’re to keep their already faint hopes of progression alive.
Today it was reported that Crawford had no injury concerns, and Otegbayo will no doubt be desperate for his chance to show what he can do at international level if his manager gives him the opportunity.
Speaking about the tie, the Irish boss said, “These are the games you want to be part of. I’d sooner be involved in high pressured games than dead rubbers and although this is a young squad this is where they learn about what it takes to be an international footballer.
“We saw the seniors last week go to a hostile environment and perform and it’s for this group to do the same. Kazakhstan are a very good team.”
The game is due to get underway at 4pm tomorrow afternoon, with Otegbayo being one of several Owls in action at various points of the day.