Owls midfielder, James O'Connor, believes the added competition in the squad will only be of benefit as the new Championship season approaches.

The Irishman is the first to admit his form failed to hit previous high standards towards the end of last season but is eager to put that right and fight for his place next term.

He said: "The last couple of months of the season, I didn't do myself justice but I'm looking forward to a fresh start and I can't wait to get going. If we have competition for all places then that can only be good for Sheffield Wednesday.

"This year is going to be a very tough league. Leicester are a big team who have come up and I'm sure Peterborough and Scunthorpe will be looking to do well.

"Over the past three to five years the Championship has really taken off and the likes of Newcastle, Middlesbrough and West Brom coming down can only enhance it."

Although many teams in the division will have their eye on Newcastle away at St. James' Park, O'Connor believes Hillsborough has similarities and will also provide teams with an added incentive to perform.

"From previous experience, I used to enjoy coming to Hillsborough and I'm sure lots of teams look forward to coming here and want to do well," he said. "That's what I was so pleased about last season, our home form was really good.

"If we can strengthen the squad like we are doing, then hopefully our away form will be good and over the course of the season we can kick on.

"The competition will bring the best out of me. There's only two players that can play in the middle so if you're not playing, you have to support those that are."