Owls warned ‘stay calm’ at Hillsborough

The Owls saw Roysten Drenthe sent off in midweek, at 0-0 before their 10 men succumbed to a 2-0 loss to new Championship leaders Bournemouth.

And the last time Wednesday played Rotherham United, last season in the league cup, Jermaine Johnston was red carded at the New York Stadium in a 2-1 loss.

Right-back Liam Palmer believes if Wednesday are to end a nine-match winless run, they must not get caught up in the emotions of a fierce South Yorkshire derby.

“Saturday has to be an honest performance, all dig in, stick together, get the crowd behind us and get them cheering,” said Palmer.

“It’s important, too, not to get caught up in the situation too much. We don’t want no silly red cards, we need to keep XI on the pitch.

“As much as you want the crowd behind you, you still have to keep your focus on what’s required on the pitch.”

Wednesday were poor against the Cherries, and a derby could provide the perfect chance to atone for Tuesday, believes Palmer.

He said: “The game we have against Rotherham is ideal. It’s a derby, everyone will be up for it – we would be up for it anyway – and looking to bounce back from the defeat.

“Rotherham have had a decent start – like ourselves - and are in a bit of a rut at the minute. It will be a scrap, a tough game, and one we need to be up for.

“To play in any derby, it’s always a ferocious pace, tackles flying in, people getting in your face pressing. That’s what it will be like on Saturday, we know that.

“It’s a bit of nerves and excitement. But this is the type of game we need to get back to winning ways. We need to come out on top in our individual battles, run more than them, tackle harder. If you get eight or nine players doing that, you have a good chance of winning.”

The Owls have suffered a double setback to bring in a loan striker, with identified targets recalled by their clubs.