Bristol City v Sheffield Wednesday: Pudil praises team-mates as Owls break club record

Last Saturday’s 1-0 win at Huddersfield Town created a new Wednesday record, being the fourth consecutive clean sheet on their travels.

No other Owls team in their long history has achieved such a feat, and Wednesday stand just two shy of equalling a club record 17 clean sheets for the season with six games remaining. Carlos Carvalhal’s side will look to extend their mean streak away from Hillsborough today when they travel to Bristol City.

But left-back Pudil, 30, insists it is not just goalkeeper Keiren Westwood and his back four who should take the plaudits.

“It is really nice to have been part of that (record),” said Pudil. “It is not just down to the goalkeeper and the defence. All of the team have worked hard to make that happen.

“I think we have broken many records this season. It would be really special for all of us if we got the clean sheet record.

“If we win some games 4-3, I don’t mind. The most important thing is we play nice football and win the games.”

Wednesday’s four clean sheets away from Hillsborough came against Brighton, Hull City, Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield.

Tom Lees has been a standout performer at the back for Wednesday this season, and Pudil believes the former Leeds United defender has the ability to play in the Premier League.

He said: ”He’s a quality player. We have got three or four really good defenders and Tom is one of them. He’s a really good organiser and always looks to help the person next to him. On and off the pitch, he’s a good guy.

“If he carries on developing, I’m sure Tom can go a long way. As long as it is with Sheffield Wednesday. Hopefully we can go to the Premier League together.”

Czech Republic international Pudil returned to the team midweek for the 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers, and faces a battle with Joe Bennett for the left-back shirt.

The Owls have won their last four games and sit fifth in the Championship.

He said: ”It was good to be back in the team after my hamstring injury. Joe has played really well at left-back and that’s why we are where we are in the table.

“We have got a good squad and everyone is fighting to get into the team. We have won four in a row and are five points off seventh, which is good, but we still have six matches left. We have got to keep working hard and try to get as many points as we can.”

Automatic promotion seems unlikely – Middlesbrough are eight points clear with a game in hand – but Pudil is not giving up on the top two just yet.

“If we keep winning, who knows?” said Pudil. “We are nine points behind, but we have six games left so you never know. Anything is possible.

“We have to focus on ourselves and make sure we keep winning. First of all we have to finish in the top six and go game by game and we will see what happens.”