The big change Garry Monk has seen in Sheffield Wednesday ahead of 'important' QPR test

The Owls face up against QPR at Hillsborough this afternoon hoping to bounce back from defeat at the first attempt after their 2-0 reversal at Bristol City’s Ashton Gate last weekend.

A win would take them to within two victories of parity, a figure in-line with the six-game target they set themselves in pre-season, and would serve as a handsome momentum boost heading into a two-week international break.

Monk resisted the idea that this weekend’s clash is the first true test the resolve in his fresh-faced squad, commenting that the pressure the club finds itself under is one they have already embraced.

“The test of character is there constantly,” he said.

“We’re already there before we even step onto a football pitch. It’s all around us because of that situation. Before we even kick a ball, we’re already in adversity.

“It’s not all going to go our way, but we’ve got a group that’s ready to fight. As well as the football, that’s a huge part of it.

“More than ever, all that [test of character] is already around us. It’s about dealing with it, not fearing it.

“The message I’ve sent out here since day one is we’re going to meet it head on. I don’t expect it to be any different from here on in.”

Wednesday have beaten QPR twice already this year. Monk described them as an inconsistent side but said his side have prepared to face the best Rs side they can possible expect.

Monk says the character of the changing room has been transformed over the past few months and that it contains individuals ready to take on the challenge of bouncing back.

“There’s no shying away or doubting it, every game is hugely important,” he said. “Whether that’s trying to keep winning games, drawing games or bouncing back from defeats.

“Every season every single club goes through it, but this season ours is more important then ever, or certainly for a very long time in this club’s history.

“We have to show we can bounce back. I’m definitely more confident of the mentality and being able to do that.”

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