Sheffield Wednesday manager Garry Monk lays down the gauntlet to his side ahead of Christmas period

Wednesday have picked up 10 points from their last four fixtures to move into the play-off positions.

Wins over Charlton Athletic, Brentford and Nottingham Forest and a draw with Derby County has nudged the Owls up to fifth.

Now, Monk's squad are preparing to play four Championship matches in 10 days, starting with seventh-placed Bristol City this Sunday.

"It is good when you have got momentum but you have to fight even harder to keep it," Monk told The Star. "We have got a bit of momentum with the run of results we have had and it is about trying to extend that.

"It is a sign of a good team if you can do it so that is the next challenge for us."

Monk has given his players some well-earned time off after their eye-catching demolition job over Forest.

He said: "It has been tough physically and mentally.

"The first part of the week will be recovery and the second part will be to work.

"We have to get ready (for Bristol City). Each game is important."

Wednesday trounced Forest 4-0 at the City Ground after first half goals from Jordan Rhodes (3) and Steven Fletcher.

"I thought all of them were excellent and it was the definition of doing your job at a really high level, both defensively and offensively," said Monk. "We controlled a really dangerous team and that is not an easy thing to do.

“All of the boys were excellent."