Festive Football: Four Wednesday wins would be perfect gift - O'Connor

The player, James O'Connor (Sheff Wed)

For most people, I guess Christmas is a time to relax and enjoy themselves but, as footballers we have to play four games in nine days.

That's just the way it is. Our routine doesn't really change because it is a busy period.

We have to focus on the games. We are playing away at Tranmere Rovers on Boxing Day which means we will have to report to the club for 6pm on Christmas Day.

We might do a few bits and bobs but most clubs who are playing away won't train on Christmas Day morning.

Players are not allowed to touch alcohol the day before any game – but that doesn't bother me in any case because I am tee-total.

We can tuck into a Christmas dinner just like everyone else but we always have to be sensible with what we eat – there is no way, for example, that you can have two puddings or settle down on the sofa for a few beers!

I will be spending Christmas Day with my wife, Amy, in Sheffield and our two children Ollie, who is 22 months old, and Maisie, who is just four weeks old.

They are both still too young to fully understand what's going on. I just hope it's quiet! Some years, if it is possible, we visit Amy's parents in Stoke.

The fixture list has been kind to Sheffield Wednesday this season because we don't have to make too many long journeys away from Hillsborough.

We are at home to Yeovil and Peterbrough United and then away at Huddersfield Town on January 3.

There's usually a good atmosphere at the games over Christmas because everyone is in a festive mood – but supporters are only happy if you are winning games, it doesn't really matter whether it is Christmas or not!

I would love to have four wins out of four as a Christmas present.

The target has always got to be to win as many games as possible. I will meet up again with the family on Boxing Day night

after travelling back from the Wirral.