Sheffield Wednesday midfielder: Owls happy to go under the radar in bid for Championship promotion glory

Because having been the centre of attention during the last few weeks of a turbulent summer and after a run of results that have seen them drop from the division’s top six, the Owls are happy to go unnoticed while they go about their business of building a promotion campaign.

That’s according to midfielder Massimo Luongo, who’s absence has been notable in a disappointing couple of weeks for Garry Monk’s men.

The £1m man, who signed from Queens Park Rangers back in August, battled his way into the first team before an ankle knock picked up in the win against Stoke has seen him scrambling for fitness ever since.

Speaking on Wednesday’s promotion credentials, Luongo said: “I know the view of Sheffield Wednesday is, from my time at QPR and with other clubs, is that we're a bit of a dark horse. I know that now from people I talk to from the inside looking out, too.

“People look after a couple of weeks of not noticing and Wednesday are in the play-off places. We go under the radar a bit, but that will change in time I guess.

“We’re fine with it. It let’s us continue our work without worrying about what people think. We’re developing an identity.”

It’s been an up-and-down few weeks for the Australian, who found himself watching on from the sidelines for the opening weeks of the season before scoring winners in back-to-back home wins over Wigan and Stoke – his last match to date.

His current injury, initially believed to be a minor knock, has proven difficult to shake. The international break has come at a premium time for him, though, and Wednesday boss Garry Monk said he hopes the box-to-box man will be available for selection for their trip to West Brom next weekend.

Asked about his fitness last week, Monk said: “He’s edging towards it. He’s possibly unlikely this week but will be back in training possibly next week.

“It’s taking a bit longer than we thought but again, he’s nearly there, it’s just that slight little bit he needs to go through.”