The Inclusion Of Some Of The U23s Is A Positive

It`s not been great to be a Wednesday fan for quite some time now. This season has been an absolute disaster so far, there`s no getting away from that. Promises of transfer business being done early in the summer were never delivered on, there was the whole new shirt debacle and let`s face it, our form this season has been terrible. All of this has occurred during the time that we`re supposed to be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the club too.

While things are bad and have been for a while, there is something positive to at least take note of and that is the involvement of some of our U23s in the first team picture. Yes, this has only come about due to the ridiculous injury list we currently have that has left us without over 10 senior players at any one time, but it`s certainly a chink of light in what seems to be a very dark tunnel.

So far we have seen Jordan Thorniley, Frederik Nielsen, Connor O`Grady, Sean Clare, Connor Kirby and Jack Stobbs all involved in the first team set up, be it in the league or the FA Cup. It has been great to see, especially as you know that these lads will give their all for the shirt. Thorniley has been the one to play the most under Jos Luhukay so far and has now started 3 out of the last 5 league games. Fans have instantly taken to him because they can see he`s 100% committed and giving everything for the cause.

We have to remember that it really is a huge ask for these young lads to come in and compete at this level. Thorniley had been playing on loan in League Two for Accrington Stanley at left back prior to his inclusion in first team affairs, Jack Stobbs had been out at Port Vale but didn`t get chance to impress and Sean Clare had been playing on loan in League One for Gillingham. Connor O`Grady has played a couple of times for Wednesday in cup games but Frederik Nielsen and Connor Kirby have both never played senior football.

Even though these players may not have the experience, one thing they have shown us so far and potentially shown their more experienced teammates is how to play with heart and a lack of fear. At times some of the more senior players could be accused of a lack of commitment and pride when pulling on the shirt and in my opinion this is not something which should need to be demanded by anyone, the players should be demanding this of themselves.

Right now, Wednesday certainly need to fight their way out of this rut and they need to fight to preserve their Championship status. Being 6 points above the relegation zone is a real concern and you would have to say we`re involved in the relegation scrap right now. It doesn`t really come down to ability to get you safe, it`s character and a willingness to give everything for each other when you`re in the trenches and this is what the younger lads certainly bring to the side.

Some of the senior players should take note of the attitude of these lads and the way they feel privileged to play for Sheffield Wednesday. This comes across in their performances and look, they might not get every decision right, they may make a few mistakes but at least they`re trying. A lot is being asked of them right now but they`re doing their best to deliver and that has to be praised and seen as a positive sign.