Sheffield Wednesday star gives unique insight into rejuvenated striker Jordan Rhodes

Rhodes returned to goal-scoring form in stunning fashion on Saturday, hitting a devastating first half hat-trick to put Forest to the sword.

It ended a lean spell in front of goal for Rhodes, who has failed to consistently produce the goods since joining Wednesday in a club-record £8m deal from Middlesbrough in February 2017.

Owls captain Tom Lees told The Star: "We were all really happy for Jordan and told him he deserved it.

"Obviously, everyone knows over the years how good he has been.

"It is not nice to see someone when they are down and pretty low and struggling for that confidence but the talent Jordan has never leaves you.

"It was just a matter of him getting that confidence back. Those goals will do him a world of good.

"He was brilliant and hopefully it will be a springboard for him."

Rhodes completed the perfect hat-trick in a 28-minute spell to help send the Owls up to fifth in the Championship.

"Jordan is a really good lad," said Lees. "Obviously, he has gone through a bit of a difficult period but, like any good pro, he has got his head down and worked hard.

"He is always practising his finishing and has kept on believing in his ability. He is a box player and always on the move in the box.

"It was just about confidence and scoring three at Forest will do wonders for him.

"We have now got two players up there who are in great form."

Rhodes and his partner-in-crime Steven Fletcher tore the Forest defence apart as the Owls clinched a third league win in their last four matches.

Lees, taken off late on with a hamstring injury, said: "Forest have two good centre-halves but Fletch and Jordan gave them a real tough afternoon. They couldn't really handle them every time the ball went up there and into the box.”