Preston 0 Sheffield Wednesday 2: Wednesday are now in safe hands as they push for promotion

For veteran Nicky Weaver returned after a lengthy injury lay-off on Saturday to keep a clean sheet in their 2-0 win over Preston North End.

And the Owls have now completed the signing of Stephen Bywater, after the 30-year-old was released by Derby County following a successful loan spell at Wednesday, to give Megson a tricky selection poser.

Bywater signed for Wednesday on an emergency loan deal from the Rams in September and went on to make 12 appearances for the Owls. He has signed until the end of the season.

During Bywater’s stint at Hillsborough, Wednesday won eight games, drew three and slipped to just one defeat.

Weaver had little to do at Deepdale, as first-half goals from Danny Batth and Ben Marshall secured all three points.

But Megson revealed the Owls’ good start only came after a dressing room roasting. “I was told the lads looked a little lethargic in the warm-up so I’m sure that’s the first time they’ve had a rollicking before a game!

“But they went out with the right attitude and did the right things and we got our reward with the early goal. I thought we were terrific. There were some really good performances all over the field and that was pleasing.

“Chris O’Grady ran his socks off, Semedo was magnificent, James Tavernier looked really well going forward and I was pleased to see Nicky Weaver get the clean sheet.

“He didn’t have a lot to do but- and this is no reflection on Richard O’Donnell – he gives a calming influence, which is what you need in that position.”

Preston North End: Stuckmann, Gray, Morgan, McCombe, Smith, Coutts, Barton, Parry, Mayor, Hume (Tsoumou 31), Proctor (Douglas 58). Unused substitutes: Turner, McLaughlin, Carlisle.

Sheffield Wednesday: Weaver, Otsemobor, Batth, Llera, Reda Johnson, Tavernier (Palmer 81), Lines, Semedo, Marshall (Prutton 87), Lowe (Watt 61), O’Grady. Unused substitutes: O’Donnell, Morrison.

Referee: E Ilderton (Tyne & Wear).

Man of the match: Chris O’Grady.