Bolton foot the bill for O’Brien’s stay with Wednesday

The Republic of Ireland international, who will be out of contract in the summer, has been sidelined for nearly two-and-a-half years with knee trouble but will spend the rest of the season on loan at Hillsborough.

Significantly, his wages are going to be paid in full by Premier League Bolton for the duration of his stay.

Megson, who also signed Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Lee Nicholls on loan yesterday, worked previously with O’Brien, 25, during a two-year spell as manager at the Reebok Stadium.

O’Brien also played for the Owls as a teenager on loan during the 2004-05 League One promotion winning season.

Owls assistant manager Chris Evans said: “Joey is coming in at no cost to this club which is a huge positive. Obviously, like most footballers at some stage in their career, they get injured but he’s coming back from his injury and has been playing reserve team football.

“A League One club is getting the opportunity to bring a Premier League player in – at no cost and therefore very little risk – but there could be very significant dividends,” he added.

“If he does what we hope he can do, he could make a significant contribution.”

Nicholls will provide competition for goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell during the absence of first-choice Nicky Weaver for the next month with a groin injury.

The England Under-19 international is highly regarded by Wigan manager Roberto Martinez and has also spent time on loan with Shrewsbury Town and Hartlepool United this season.

Wolves striker Sam Vokes has joined Norwich City on loan after Sheffield United declined an opportunity to keep the Welsh international at Bramall Lane.

Vokes, 20, is surplus to requirements at Molineux and had spent the last month on loan with the Blades prior to the return to fitness of striker Darius Henderson.

Rotherham United striker Tom Pope has extended his loan deal with Port Vale for a third month. Pope was a club record signing when moving from Crewe Alexandra in a £150,000 deal two summers ago but scored only three goals in 35 league appearances last season.

He has scored three goals in seven starts for the Valiants – who are also the club he supports.

Defender Jamie Green has returned to the Millers after a loan spell with Blue Square Bet North side Boston United.

“It is good to have ‘Greeny’ back at the club,” said caretaker assistant Paul Warne. “Jamie is a great lad and good player. He has done very well while on loan at Boston and has come back in good shape.”