Manager Brian Laws admits he was desperate to sign Simpson who chose Rangers ahead of the Owls when released on loan by Arsenal this summer.

Simpson, 20, has already bagged six goals in his first 11 appearances for Rangers and will be looking to add to that this afternoon at Hillsborough.

"I know all about Simpson," said Laws. "I tried desperately to get him here, and we were very close, but in the end he decided to stay in London."

Rangers are sixth in the Championship, seven points ahead of the Owls, and Laws believes Jim Magilton's side should be regarded as one of the favourites for promotion due to their finances and players available.

"I do think it could be their year," he said. "Jim must have been rubbing his hands with glee because the squad he inherited is incredible. They have five or six players out on loan but they still have more than 30 players and injuries have not affected them."

Laws was delighted with his side's last performance against Bristol City but has said there may still be need for changes.

Former England goalkeeper Ron Springett, an Owls legend, will be the guest of honour.

Championship table

P W D L F A Pts

Newcastle 15 9 3 3 22 9 30

West Brom 15 8 4 3 29 13 28

Cardiff 15 8 3 4 31 16 27

Leicester 15 7 6 2 18 12 27

Bristol City 15 6 7 2 18 14 25

QPR 15 6 6 3 27 16 24

Blackpool 15 6 6 3 22 16 24

Middlesbrough 15 7 3 5 22 16 24

Preston 15 6 6 3 23 20 24

Nottm Forest 15 6 6 3 17 14 24

Swansea 15 5 7 3 11 10 22

Watford 15 5 6 4 22 26 21

Crystal Palace 15 4 7 4 15 17 19

Sheff Wed 15 4 5 6 22 23 17

Sheff Utd 15 4 5 6 23 26 17

Coventry 16 4 5 7 18 25 17

Derby 16 5 2 9 19 27 17

Barnsley 15 5 2 8 18 26 17

Scunthorpe 15 5 2 8 19 28 17

Doncaster 15 2 9 4 18 20 15

Reading 15 3 4 8 14 24 13

Plymouth 15 3 3 9 14 26 12

Peterborough 15 2 5 8 18 25 11

Ipswich 15 1 8 6 16 27 11