Jordan Rhodes backs Sheffield Wednesday to join Middlesbrough in the big time

Jordan Rhodes: Will finally get his chance at the Premier League after Boros promotion.

Rhodes admitted to a massive sense of relief after Boro avoided a semi-final meeting with the Owls, where his father Andy is on the coaching staff, after claiming the point they required against Brighton to secure a top-two  finish and a Premier League return.

If the Seagulls had triumphed at the Riverside on Saturday, Boro would have been heading to Hillsborough on Friday night and not the south coast outfit – and Rhodes is now keen for Wednesday to accompany the Teessiders into the big time.

Rhodes, who has finally reached the Premier League at the age of 26, said: “Now the focus is turning into a bit of a Sheffield Wednesday fan and I am just glad our result went alright, so we didn’t have to play them in the play-offs. I hope Wednesday get to Wembley and go up that way.

“I will be looking out for their results and I hope to go to a game.”

Despite backing Wednesday in their quest to make their return to the top tier, Rhodes admits he felt for Brighton on Saturday  after they agonisingly missed out on automatic promotion by the narrow margin of just two goals.

The forward – a substitute in Boro’s 1-1 weekend draw, added: “We couldn’t have cut it any finer – finishing level on points and only a goal or two in it.

“I really feel for Brighton because they have done really well this year.

“(But) The lads have put in the hours throughout all the season and I have had 90 minutes here and there and it was fantastic to be part of such a special occasion at a special football club.”

Meanwhile, Boro’s return to the top table of football is also good news for Huddersfield Town, who have scooped a £400,000 windfall.

Promotion for Boro triggered a clause that meant Blackburn are due an extra £2m on top of the initial £9m they received after selling Rhodes at the end of the last transfer window.

With Huddersfield due 20 per cent of any profit made on any sale of Rhodes, who joined Blackburn for a club record £8m in August 2012, it means Town’s coffers will also be swelled by a significant six-figure sum.