Etienne Esajas insists that Sheffield Wednesday were worthy of a draw from one of the most memorable Steel City derbies in history.

The Owls went down 3-2 to rivals Sheffield United on Friday after a stirring second half comeback saw Brian Laws' side come close to claiming the most unlikely of points.

Esajas was central to the visitors' revival, having a hand in one goal, scoring another and making a general nuisance of himself to cause major concerns in the United rearguard.

The Dutchman was introduced at half time and now hopes his performance at Bramall Lane justifies a starting shirt next time out.

He said: "I am happy with my goal but I feel really disappointed because we deserved a point from the game.

"If you look at the second half, we played some really good football and we made up for the first half but it wasn't to be.

"At half time, the manager said to me 'you're coming on' and 'show me what you can do'. I think I did well.

"I've been on the bench now for a few games but I'm hungry to play every game. So we will see next week.

"If I am playing I can score more goals, if I am on the bench, I can do nothing."

Esajas was delighted to bag his maiden Championship goal of the season, a stunning free kick from distance that whistled past Blades goalkeeper Mark Bunn.

He also revealed details of a similar derby goal claimed in his homeland of Holland, albeit in a less electric atmosphere than that of an all-Sheffield affair.

"It was a long way out, maybe 30 yards, but I've done it before and I thought 'why not?' I hit it, it went in and it was a good goal.

"I've done it once before in this kind of game for Ajax against Feyenoord but that was a different kind of atmosphere, this is much bigger.

"I would like to thank our fans for turning out like they did and helping make such a fantastic atmosphere. We are only sorry we could not get the draw we deserved."

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