Maguire recalled to help troubled Owls

The 24-year-old forward has spent the last four weeks on loan at League One side Coventry City after struggling to make an impact at Hillsborough since his move from Derby County last year.

But the Owls recalled the Scottish international earlier this week after his 28-day initial loan period expired at the Sky Blues.

Maguire played 13 times in 18 months, scoring once, since arriving at Hillsborough, but the decision to let him leave on loan surprised many with the Owls short of strikers.

Since he departed, Matty Fryatt was recalled, as expected, from his loan by Hull City, while fellow loanee Connor Wickham missed Saturday’s defeat to Bournemouth with a hamstring strain.

The Owls’ only other fit forward, Atdhe Nuhiu, limped off with a shoulder injury against the Cherries. Both Nuhiu and Wickham are doubts for today.

Owls captain Reda Johnson welcomed Maguire’s expected recall, but stressed to bounce back from the Bournemouth loss Wednesday must concentrate on their team effort rather than put the onus on the strikers.

“Chris Maguire is a good player,” said left-back Johnson. “We know him, he knows the club. If he comes back it will be good for the team.

“We know at the moment we are struggling with strikers. He will be welcomed back to the club.

“But we can’t focus on one player, one player will not change what’s happening.”

Maguire was an unused substitute for Coventry on Saturday, but netted twice on debut with two stunning free-kicks.

Last six: Blackburn Rovers DWLDWW, Sheffield Wednesday LLWLWL.

Last time: Blackburn 1 Sheffield Wednesday 0; October 24 2012; Championship.

Referee: D Coote (Notts).