Peter Beagrie delivers Sheffield Wednesday promotion verdict, names key player
By Alex Stevens
Peter Beagrie is convinced Sheffield Wednesday have an “excellent chance” of securing a play-off spot during the Championship run-in.
The Yorkshire giants are currently sixth in the league, although they are five points behind fifth-placed Leeds and a distant 13 points adrift of leaders Newcastle.
But Beagrie believes that manager Carlos Carvalhal can call on an increasingly strong group of players due to improved availability and the deadline day signing of goal machine Jordan Rhodes.
The Sky Sports pundit pointed out how Rhodes, who joined from Middlesbrough on a loan-to-buy deal last Tuesday that will be converted to a £10million permanent transfer in the summer, can inspire the team to fresh heights.
“Sheffield Wednesday were struggling for goals but with Rhodes signing for big money and the win against Wigan straight afterwards there’s a feelgood factor now,” said Beagrie, as quoted by the Sky Sports website.
“I look at the players they’ve been without and they’ve overcome that. Kieran Lee – one of the best players in the Championship, for me – has been injured, as has Gary Hooper, while Steven Fletcher and Sam Hutchinson – who have both been pivotal players – have been banned.
“But players are coming back at the right time and in Rhodes, they’ve got a forward who will take chances consistently if they are created for him.
“The likes of Ross Wallace, Adam Reach and Will Buckley can get the best out of him and at the other end they are defensively very sound so they have an excellent chance.”
Wednesday aim to narrow the gap on the leading teams on Friday night, when they welcome Birmingham to Hillsborough for a televised clash.
Carvalhal’s side are looking to build on their 1-0 win against Wigan at the DW Stadium last Friday, when Rhodes marked his debut with the winning goal.
In other Sheffield Wednesday news, a Championship midfielder has been given permission to join after permission was granted by his club.
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