Young Owls goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell is on an upward curve and determined to stay focussed in the same direction.

Boss Brian Laws has elevated the local lad to number two behind Lee Grant this summer and O'Donnell is out to grasp his opportunity with both hands.

He told swfc.co.uk: "Going from number three to number two is a big challenge. Hopefully, I can do as well as Rob (Burch) did last season. This season is all about improvement and more experience for me."

Dislodging the figure of Grant from between the sticks is a big ask given the splendid season he enjoyed last time out, culminating in the ex-Derby man scooping the Players' Player of the Year award at Hillsborough.

And O'Donnell too has total admiration for his goalkeeping consort.

He continued: "Granty has a full season under the belt now, he's oozing confidence and rightly so.

"He's a great keeper to learn from. He got better and better last season and I would probably say he was the best keeper in the Championship. I couldn't ask for someone better to learn from."

Richard completed a vital part of his education last time out, courtesy of a successful loan spell with League One side Oldham. The 19-year-old posted four first team appearances for the Latics and insists his spell over the Pennines has served as the perfect foundation for the Owls term ahead.

He added: "It was really beneficial for me to go to Oldham. If I hadn't gone there, I may not be here now as number two at Sheffield Wednesday.

"You can't beat first team experience and I was lucky enough to get that opportunity and I think I took it well.

"If I get my chance with Wednesday, I'll now be a lot better prepared so it's up to me to keep pushing Granty as much as possible and do well in the reserves and training week in, week out."