Sheffield Wednesday press conference LIVE: Jamie Smith on team news and the monster clash at Derby County

Hello and welcome to The Star’s live coverage of Jamie Smith’s press conference heading into this weekend’s clash-of-all-clashes against Derby County.
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Nothing less than a win will do for the Owls, who are also praying on a Cardiff result against Rotherham to stay in the Championship.

We’ll be on-hand to deliver everything Smith has to say – in real time – at the blog below.

Jamie Smith press conference LIVE: Stand-in boss speaks ahead of do-or-die Derby date

It’s too soon for him to say.

It’s too soon for him to say.

I’ve seen him. He’s in a better place and he’s better in himself but he has a long way.

He’s been about at the training ground and that’s been good.

It’s been a big boost for the players too.

JS on the mentality

If you start changing too much around, the players get nervy. It’s not just another game but in essence it is.

There’ll be people around listening to people around at Cardiff.

They’ve not shown any shirnking violets.

Wayne is a huge character, had an unbelievable career. Maybe there is more pressure on him.

I’m excited, that’s the word.

We spoke about it yesterday.

It’s massive, there’s no getting away from it. We’re looking forward to it.

We have to treat it as we have done, that’s how we work, to win the game, and it hasn’t changed this week.

JS on the game itself

It’s a difficult one. It might be nervy and cagey, but we need to go and win the game.

It’s been difficult for Derby last few weeks, some of the results could have gone their way. It’ll be a tough game.

I’m here to talk about football. That’s all we’re here for.

We’re focusing on the game, the lads have been spot on this week and how they’ve gone about it.

It’s a big, big opportunity. It’s been a good week of training.