'World of good' - Sky pundits deliver verdict on Sheffield Wednesday survival hopes after Cardiff rout

Darren Moore, Manager of Sheffield Wednesday. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

Goals from Julian Borner, Callum Paterson, Jordan Rhodes, and a brace from Adam Reach secured a stunning win for Darren Moore’s side, moving them to within six points of safety with seven games left to play.

The Owls also drew level on points with Rotherham United, who lost 3-0 to bottom side Wycombe Wanderers, but have played three games more than the Millers.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Football Show, however, James argued that Wednesday are in a positive place going into the final stretch of the campaign.

He said: “It was a surprise result, wasn’t it? Cardiff again, looking back over the recent part of the season, they were one of those that looked nailed on for at least the play-offs.

"Sheffield Wednesday are right down the bottom, but it’s concertinaed.

"I’ve been in Sheffield Wednesday’s position more so than I’ve been in Cardiff’s where those last few games of the season are the ones where you can draw it back. You can draw it back with that spirited run.

"The confidence gained from that result against a top side will help Sheffield Wednesday. It’s achievable.”

Ex-Bournemouth defender Simon Francis echoed James’ sentiment, but also made a point of emphasising how important Rotherham games in hand could be.

He said: “I think if you’re Sheffield Wednesday, you’d rather have the games in hand now in that run of form.

"Darren Moore seems to have turned them round. They’re playing good football, they’re battling against a lot of the top teams and putting in good performances.

"Barry Bannan is one of the best midfielders in the Championship. He’s running games – he was excellent again yesterday.

"Whereas Rotherham, they have the games in hand, yes, but they lost to Wycombe yesterday. They're not in a good run of form.

"Sheffield Wednesday would have loved to have had two or three games in hand now on the teams above them to try and get out of it.

"It could be too big of an ask, but it’s certainly tight, and that result yesterday will have done them the world of good.”