Owls goalkeeper coach Andy Rhodes has said Joe Wildsmith’s call-up to the England Under-21 set up is a fantastic achievement for the academy product.
From his first meeting with Wildsmith, Rhodes has always been confident that the talented custodian would be destined for first team football.
High praise indeed coming from the experienced coach, who also boasts over 400 appearances between the sticks in a playing career which included a League Cup final appearance for former club Oldham.
He said: “When I first met Joe at 12, I knew he would play first team football for Sheffield Wednesday.
“He’s done that, he’s established himself in the squad as a senior player and the world’s at his feet.
“I know Eric Steele, the age group goalkeeping coach for England, and I said it was about time Joe got the call. It’s a fantastic achievement for him.
“Hopefully he’ll get to play on Tuesday.
“He was outstanding last week against Holland. His parents were out there to see him and they were over the moon.
“They were more excited than him because he’s so laid back, he’s horizontal. His temperament is fantastic and that is why he’s looked so assured.”
Competition in the goalkeeping department at the club is fierce and that is something which Rhodes believes is of huge benefit to all parties.
He added: “Joe is one of four senior keepers. It’s not just Keiren Westwood and Lewis Price.
“Him and Cameron Dawson are right there pushing. And they push each other as well.
“Those two have done fantastic and Cami deserves as much credit as Joe.”