Where do the likes of Matt Penney and Izzy Brown stand at Tony Pulis' Sheffield Wednesday?

Tony Pulis has taken a long look at the players who have started out on the fringes of his squad in the opening weeks of his Sheffield Wednesday era, according to the man himself.
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The Welshman made only one enforced change to his team at Swansea on Wednesday evening, replacing the suspended Josh Windass with Jordan Rhodes.

And while it’s still very early days and Pulis is keen to look after his squad as they look to navigate a manic fixture schedule, he intimated the likes of Matt Penney and Izzy Brown may have to wait for opportunities while he attempts to build a settled side.

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Asked about Penney’s role in the squad ahead the Owls’ clash with Stoke – their third match of four in just 10 days – Pulis hinted that widespread changes were unlikely.

Matt Penney is yet to get his chance under Tony Pulis. Pic Steve Ellis.Matt Penney is yet to get his chance under Tony Pulis. Pic Steve Ellis.
Matt Penney is yet to get his chance under Tony Pulis. Pic Steve Ellis.

“I’ve watched videos of players that have played and I’ve watched videos of players that haven’t played,” he said. “I watched videos and watched videos. And then I’ve watched them training.

“What we’ve got to try to do in this period is to keep some consistency within the structure of the team.

“I don’t like changing the team too much and I want them to grow into what we’re trying to achieve.”

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Pulis has commented a number of times on what he sees as an ‘unbalanced’ squad and suggested the club are looking at options to strengthen attacking areas.

Windass will miss the next two Wednesday matches after his red card at Preston and loanee Jack Marriott is back at parent club Derby County receiving treatment on a long-term injury.

“I think there is a blindingly obvious component missing within the group,” Pulis said on a squad that has scored only seven league goals this season. “Most supporters and most people out there will see that. We have to fix that.

“The player’s attitudes have been fabulous. They’ve worked so hard and we’ve deserved a little bit more than what we’ve got.

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“But there’s a weakness we have to get ironed out and hopefully we can do that in the next couple of months.”

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