- Stuart Gray previews home clash with Derby County
- Confidence flowing through Owls squad
- Head coach stresses importance of form at Hillsborough
After an encouraging start to the campaign, Stuart Gray wants the momentum to continue this weekend as Wednesday face their first Championship test at Hillsborough.
Following wins over Brighton and Notts County, the next challenge is Derby who, like the Owls, have won both of their opening fixtures with a clean sheet.
An added boost for Wednesday is the availability of strike ace Stevie May, who is eligible to make his debut on Saturday and the return from injury of Jeremy Helan.
During the pre-match press conference at Middlewood Road, Gray said: “It’s a difficult game on Saturday against a team that took six points from us last season.
“Steve McClaren has added quality to his squad and one thing we do know is that they like to get the ball down and play so it will be a good game and we are looking forward to it.”
A talking point during the Thursday lunchtime press gathering was the Owls’ form at Hillsborough.
One of Gray’s aims this season is to make home advantage count and after starting with a comfortable win in the cup over County, the head coach wants to take that form into the Championship and continued:
“We are full of confidence and back on our own patch.
“One thing you want is for the opposition to come here and think, ‘not many teams come away with points from Hillsborough’.
“Psychologically, you’re then already one step ahead before you kick off.
“I’m pleased with the way we’ve started and now we want to make Hillsborough into a fortress and the fans can help with that.
“But as I’ve said in the past, it’s up to the players to give the fans encouragement to get them shouting, singing and give them something to be proud of.”
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS OF THE OWLS' WIN OVER NOTTS COUNTY AT HILLSBOROUGH BELOW