Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Conor Grant has been called up to the Republic of Ireland U21 side for their upcoming games at the end of this month.
Grant came through the youth teams with the Owls after joining from Shamrock Rovers.
The 19-year-old midfielder signed a professional contract in 2018 and went on to make his debut for the senior side in the EFL Cup against Rochdale earlier this season.
But Grant never managed to make a Championship appearance for the club.
Wednesday decided to sell him to Rochdale on deadline day during the January transfer window, and he has since broken through with the League One club.
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Grant has started the club’s past four matches, including their latest 2-1 victory at League One promotion-hopefuls Lincoln City as Rochdale look to avoid the drop.
Grant’s impressive form of late for The Dale has earned his first call up to Ireland’s U21 side, having previously made appearances at both U17 and U19 level.
Wednesday’s decision to sell him on was questionable considering the club’s situation.
The Owls face the very realistic prospect of relegation to League One as they sit nine points behind Championship rivals Birmingham City and safety with ten games to go.
Wednesday are already set to lose Liam Shaw who will join Celtic this summer.
Poor recruitment has been an evident factor in the club’s demise, with ageing players brought in on high wages and later walking away without a resale value.
Adam Reach could be the next with the former £5 million signing out of contract soon.
The Owls must focus on the future. However, with Shaw set to leave, Grant already gone and Osaze Urhoghide also out of contract this summer, something isn’t quite right.
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