Carlton Palmer has claimed that one player has given Sheffield Wednesday a ‘massive chance’ of staying up.
Sheffield Wednesday have spent a majority of the campaign stuck in the relegation zone, fighting themselves eight points from safety just a matter of weeks ago.
Despite an excellent run of form around Christmas, recent results hadn’t really gone their way after heavy defeats to the likes of Huddersfield Town and Southampton.
However, the Owls look to have been given another wind over the last couple of weeks.
Danny Rohl‘s side have won two of their last three games, with the defeat coming to high-flying Leicester City.
It is Ike Ugbo that has proven to be the real hero for Sheffield Wednesday, netting a brace against Birmingham City, before scoring the opener in the victory away at Millwall last time out.
The striker joined on loan from Troyes last month and has so started five games, scoring three goals. His brilliant first impression has helped push the Owls to within four points of safety.
Carlton Palmer has now claimed that Ugbo could be the player to prevent them from dropping down to League One again.
Speaking to Football League World, he said: “Wednesday have given themselves a massive chance of avoiding relegation to League One with a massive 2-0 win away at Millwall.
“One of the reasons why they have this hope is the signing of Ugbo on loan from Troyes. He’s been outstanding for them, and it’s given them a chance.
“They’re on 29 points, with QPR on 32, Millwall on 33, and Huddersfield on 34, so they have a glimmer of hope that they could avoid relegation.
“Should Wednesday sign Ugbo on a permanent deal? At the end of the season, if they stay in the Championship, they have to assess the playing staff and make sure the recruitment is right.
“So, they’ll have to have a good look at him between now and the end of the season, but he’s looking to be a really good signing for Danny Röhl.
“They’ll be looking to transition from a bottom-half Championship side to a middle of the table, or even top of the table, side, and Ugbo is proving that he can play at this level.
“I’m sure that this is a move that the Owls will pursue, providing they keep their status in the Championship.”
Can Sheffield Wednesday rely on Ike Ugbo?
Sheffield Wednesday have really struggled for a goalscorer they can rely on this term, but Ike Ugbo is certainly looking like a positive addition.
However, the Owls don’t want to get too excited. The 25-year-old joined Cardiff on loan in the summer and bagged four goal contributions in his first game, but then only scored once in his next 16 matches in the Championship.
Similarly, Bailey Cadamarteri bagged three in four following his breakthrough under Danny Rohl, but has since struggled to retain a place in the starting line-up.
Sheffield Wednesday don’t want to start thinking about Ugbo’s future at the club and need to just take it a game at a time. If he can keep up his form in front of goal then there is no reason why he can’t be the key to avoiding relegation.