While his more senior players secured an important win this week, Danny Rohl took some time to highlight three exciting young stars he has in his squad and tipped them for big things.
Sheffield Wednesday went from the lows of a demoralising 6-2 defeat at home to Watford over the weekend, to bounce back with an impressive victory over Norwich City on Tuesday night under the Hillsborough lights.
Experienced stars like Marvin Johnson, Josh Windass, and Svante Ingelsson were pivotal to securing that 2-0 win, while centre-half Dominic Iorfa managed to get himself on the scoresheet and keep a crucial clean sheet.
Things are looking up for the Owls now as they head into their next game, the big Steel City derby against Sheffield United on Sunday.
But, beyond this week, and even beyond this season, Danny Rohl believes Wednesday fans should have plenty to be excited about, as they have some incredible young talent emerging within the first-team squad.
Di’Shon Bernard leading young talent at Sheffield Wednesday
The lack of squad depth at Wednesday this season may be cause for concern for some fans, but it has given Rohl the chance to lean on youngsters like Di’Shon Bernard.
The 24-year-old has featured in all but one of Wednesday’s game this term — he missed the win over West Brom through suspension — and has received plaudits for his displays at the heart of defence in what is only his second season in senior football.
Speaking to Football Heaven after the win over Norwich, Rohl cited Bernard as a top example of the young players he has at his disposal, and how exciting that is for the future of the club.
“I think we should also bring attention to the players from the academy who are taking the next step. I’m not sure when the last time [that happened] was,” he said.
“We have Di’Shon Bernard, Pierce Charles, Gabriel Otegbayo… they could be the future for this club. This is also the outcome from since I joined in the last year.”
Gabriel Otegbayo makes a big step for the Owls
The game against Norwich also marked a significant moment in the development of Gabriel Otegbayo, who was brought on with just over 30 minutes to go to make his league debut for the Owls.
The 20-year-old had previously featured in three of Wednesday’s League Cup matches, but entered the fray at Hillsborough to rapturous applause from the home fans.
By full-time, Otegbayo was encouraged by his teammates to lead the celebrations in front of the Sheffield Wednesday supporters, a move which will no doubt boost his confidence moving forward.
The defender looked assured as he linked up with Bernard and Max Lowe at the heart of the backline, and stood resolute in the face of a barrage of attacks from a Norwich side chasing the game.
With a thin squad and a transfer embargo hanging over the Owls, there will likely be plenty more opportunities for the likes of Otegbayo and young goalkeeper, Pierce Charles, to step into the team and show what they can do.