Sheffield Wednesday caretaker manager Sean McAuley has described the postponement of Monday's game at Blackpoool as 'huge'.

The Bloomfield Road clash was called off due to a frozen pitch and McAuley is desperately disappointed his side has been denied the chance to build on the excellent performance against Newcastle United on Boxing Day.

He exclusively told www.swfc.co.uk: "This is a huge loss for us because we took so many positives from the Newcastle game and we wanted to get straight back out there and play another game.

"The players were well prepared and we were all really looking forward to the game. But these things happen in football so we just have to move on and prepare for the Crystal Palace match in the FA Cup on Saturday."

McAuley was present when referee Russell Booth postponed the game following a 10.30 pitch inspection this morning.

And despite his clear disappointment over losing the opportunity to pull out of the relegation zone, McAuley recognised the need for the players' safety as paramount.

He added: "That comes first, obviously, and the referee decided there was a risk. To be fair, the ground was very hard and the surrounding areas looked quite treacherous in parts after the freezing conditions overnight.

"The referees call these decisions and stand or fall by them and we respect that. We are all so disappointed but we move on and start preparing for Palace on Tuesday."