Garry Monk on whether Steven Fletcher could freshen up Sheffield Wednesday against Derby County

The striker returned ahead of schedule from a knee injury as a substitute in last Saturday's 3-3 draw at Birmingham City, and scored the only goal of the game when he came off the bench against at home to Charlton Athletic on Wednesday.

It brought to an end a seven-match winless run and only highlighted the importance of Fletcher, who the Owls are discussing a new contract with.

His 95th-minute winner should ensure the Owls are in good spirits for the visit of Derby County but the Championship clubs are at the end of a draining burst of matches, and Monk is conscious of making the best use of his squad.

After the game at St Andrew's, Fletcher said he needed “a few more minutes before I start a game”, so whether 38 in midweek has done the trick will be assessed before the team is picked.

When asked if the Scot could start, Monk replied: “Possibly. I will have a good look at him in training but we're very happy with him.

“It’s a quick turnaround so freshness and a lot of other things come into and play. The man thing is selecting the right team who hopefully, whether they start or are on the bench, can contribute.”

Certainly if Wednesday were in a better position, Fletcher's return would be delayed, but Monk has taken a “needs must” attitude to team selection recently. Barry Bannan has been playing with the aid of an injection and Morgan Fox – another the club are in contract talks with – was rushed back after a shorter absence, making his first start in midweek having only returned from the bench at Birmingham.

“He's not fully fit,” said Monk of Fletcher. “The normal process when you are out for that long is you would come back, get a block of training and possibly some minutes with the (under-)23s.

“As we said, it's needs must. We know he's a big influence on what we've done so far this season. Every minute he gets will help him.

“He's rehabbed well, he looks after himself really well. We will just have to take each game as it comes, see where we we think he’s at and as always select him if needed in the team or come on from the bench.”

Fletcher's only start since mid-December came against Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup, but he came off early in the second half with a serious knee injury. Like Fox, his contract expires at the end of the season.

Massimo Luongo, Adam Reach and Moses Odubajo are all expected back in training next week.