Maguire feels Owls fans can play their part

The 2-1 victory shot the Owls up the league table to 14th place, their highest standing since the heady days of August and September when the momentum of promotion was still powering forward Dave Jones’s men.

More importantly, that triumph at The Den meant Wednesday had moved six points clear of the relegation zone. For a team who earlier in the season had twice endured long losing runs, such a position seemed a secure one.

Fast forward to this Saturday lunchtime, however, and S6 is likely to be brimming with nervous energy as Jones’s side go in search of a win over Middlesbrough that, regardless of results elsewhere, will be enough to secure their Championship status.

Ahead of what is certain to be a bumper attendance after Owls fans spent the last few days clamouring for tickets, Maguire told the Yorkshire Post: “All the lads are looking forward to the game.

“Everyone is focused on Middlesbrough. We know what we need to do. Playing at Hillsborough is a big advantage because our fans give us great support.

“I love it before kick-off when the fans sing that song (a re-working of Hi-Ho Silver Lining). It makes the atmosphere electric as the fans are so loud. It gives all the lads a lift.”

Maguire joined the Owls last summer from Derby County after spending the final two months of last season on loan at Portsmouth.

His brief stay at Fratton Park meant he witnessed first-hand the club’s fight to avoid relegation, which was only lost because of a 10-point deduction imposed for going into administration.

“It was awful to be relegated,” says the 24-year-old about Pompey collecting two more points in 46 games than Barnsley only to go down anyway.

“On points won, Portsmouth deserved to stay up. The big thing for us this season is that Sheffield Wednesday’s fate is in our own hands. Our job is to beat Middlesbrough.

“There are four or five teams trying to stay up, but a couple are relying on results elsewhere. We are not in that position.”