'We must keep our feet on the ground', warns Sheffield Wednesday defender

The Owls entered the international break on a four-match unbeaten and sitting sixth in the Championship standings, six points adrift of leaders Sheffield United.

Jordan Thorniley, the Wednesday defender, said: "It is still early days. I know everyone is going to say that but I think it is important not to get carried away.

"We know what we have got in the squad. We have got good players. Hopefully we can build on it (Sunday's victory at Bristol City) and keep chugging along and getting three points."

Optimism is high following Wednesday's recent run of results. The Owls collected nine points through their toughest six-match spell of the season, recording notable away victories over Aston Villa and Bristol City as well Hillsborough draws with Stoke City, Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion.

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"Everyone is confident," admitted Thorniley. "I think performances in the past weeks against Leeds and WBA have been good. We have shown great team work and team ethic.

"I think we have to keep building on it and take every game as it comes.

"We have to learn and analyse every game and see what we can do to improve. That's what it is about.

"It is a long season. There are obviously going to be ups and downs. If we can keep picking up points and go on a little run, we can be right up there."

Forward Lucas Joao was the match-winner in Sunday's hard-fought 2-1 win at Ashton Gate, stepping up off the bench to score a second half double. Victory moved the Owls into the top six for the first time this season.

Thorniley, who started on the left hand side of midfield, said: "It is definitely a goal of ours to get in the play-offs. Obviously, every team in the Championship is going to want to try and do the best that they can.

"I think the play-offs isn't too far us but we have to keep our feet on the ground and keep on putting in the performances and hopefully we will get our rewards at the end of the season."

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