Garry Monk on his 'great conversation' with Sheffield Wednesday defender Tom Lees

Monk elected to hand the captain's armband to Barry Bannan ahead of the start of the new season and said that it was partly due to his desire for Lees to concentrate on his own performance - with not being a slight on the centre-back's leadership credentials.

Lees had reacted in the best possible way to the decision and is returning to the solid and consistent form that has marked out the vast majority of his time at Hillsborough - something which has been duly noted by an admiring Monk.

The Owls chief, whose side visit Bristol City in the Championship on Sunday, said: "I am absolutely delighted with him. I think a lot about Tom.

"We had that conversation and what was said will remain private between me and him. It was a great conversation.

"Of course, it is a difficult decision as a manager. Especially when you have the respect for him and the type of player he is.

"Admittedly, he had a difficult year last season - like many did. It was a discussion in terms of what I felt was best for the squad and best for him.

"I have been delighted with what he has done so far. I have seen a lot of Tom over the years and know what he is capable of.

"He has come back very focused and he is Tom Lees at this moment in time that we all know he can be.

"That is his aim this season. He will always be that leader and influence in the changing room, but I wanted him to have a lot of focus on himself and bring himself back to the levels he is capable of.

"At this moment in time, he is really taking the bull by the horns and doing that. That is really important to see and important he continues that and that I give him the right support to do that.

"I have been very pleased with Tom and hopefully he can take that confidence forward for the rest of the season."