Danny Rohl has heaped praise on a ‘strong’ Sheffield Wednesday pairing who helped contribute to a plucky comeback against Norwich City last night.
Sheffield Wednesday looked set to be four points from safety at half-time yesterday, as they found themselves 2-0 down and Huddersfield Town took the lead at Deepdale.
The Owls had endured a double blow inside 16 minutes against the Canaries, but it was an excellent second half display that saw them bounce back to earn a point.
Two goals from Michael Ihiekwe and Michael Smith via set pieces sent Hillsborough ecstatic, while they were helped out by Preston’s own comeback against the Terriers.
Goal difference now separates Wednesday from safety and they have finally budged from 23rd place, however Birmingham are scheduled to host Cardiff City this evening.
It is a huge relief for the Yorkshire outfit, while Danny Rohl‘s substitutions made all the difference.
It was Will Vaulks who bagged a brace of assists after coming on for Liam Palmer at half-time, while Callum Paterson was also one of four changes made at the break.
Michael Smith was the only attacker that lasted the full 90 minutes and he certainly repaid the trust, netting the equaliser only five minutes from full-time.
Danny Rohl praises ‘important’ and ‘strong’ duo
It was Smith and substitute Paterson who received the plaudits from manager Rohl, who claimed the pair were both ‘strong’ in their performance.
Speaking to The Star, the head coach said: “”I think Michael [Smith] was also strong against QPR, he worked very hard and it was the reason why he deserved to start today.
“It was important then with Callum [Paterson], with his experience, he was running – when you think he had three months out and how strong he is immediately and how helpful he is. It’s good to see.”
Callum Paterson & Michael Smith can be key in the final run-in
Callum Paterson is yet to start after returning from over three months on the sidelines, but he has very quickly shown how ‘massive’ he can be in Sheffield Wednesday’s bid to avoid relegation.
The 29-year-old only had 14 touches at Hillsborough, but had two shots, won three headers and made one interception.
Paterson’s versatility is priceless for Wednesday, who definitely need him in this final run-in.
Michael Smith is another player who has rarely featured, but not because he was injured.
However, the forward has been vital to the Owls’ four points over the last two games. Last night, he made one key pass, had two shots, won six headers and netted his first goal since October.
Wednesday’s strugglers are picking the perfect time to pick up some form.