Repeat show from Owls would please recalled O’Connor in relegation run-in

SHEFFIELD Wednesday midfielder James O’Connor has called for ‘more of the same’ tonight against Tranmere Rovers as the club edges closer to League One survival.

The Owls have gone five months without back-to-back victories but confidence is rising again after a long overdue home win against Colchester United at the weekend.

Manager Gary Megson plans to stick with an unchanged side in the knowledge that another victory can take the Owls 10 points clear of the relegation zone.

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However, if they were to lose, and rivals Bristol Rovers pulled off a shock win against Bournemouth, the Owls would only be four points clear with six games to play.

O’Connor, one of six men recalled to the side against Colchester, was described afterwards as a ‘manager’s dream’ by Megson.

The Dubliner, 31, also played under Megson at Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion and is now playing for a Hillsborough future as his current deal expires this summer.

“We are seven points clear of relegation but, between now and the end of the season, it is important that we win as many games as possible and give as many good performances as we can,” he said.

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“We need to stay focused and do what we did on Saturday. It was all there.

“We focused on the job in hand, played with a high tempo, and made life difficult for the opposition.

“I am not interested in personal accolades, I am more interested in winning football matches,” he stressed.

“Since I have been here, I’ve always been more interested in the team winning than how I play. I know that’s not very interesting but, genuinely, if the team wins on a Saturday, I have a nice weekend, and if we lose I don’t.”

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O’Connor, who joined the Owls from Burnley in summer 2008, initially lost his place in Megson’s side after four games.

He had started just once in the previous nine prior to his weekend recall but played a key role in a spirited performance that lifted the gloom hanging over Hillsborough.

“It was a great day and the players and the fans really enjoyed it,” he relected.

“When we don’t win at home, people ask if the crowd is the problem but on Saturday the crowd was fantastic. The ovation at half-time and the support they gave us was incredible. We are looking forward to a few more games like that now.

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“In fairness to the supporters, they have had a season where we have been relegated followed by a season with high expectations and the players have not delivered.

“You can understand their frustrations but, on Saturday, we gave them something to shout about and they got right behind us. They showed what an asset they are to this football club.

“From my point of view, we have very talented players and, on paper, we definitely have the best squad in the division. But, at times this season, we have not performed and for us to be in the position we are is not something to be very proud of.”

Megson openly admitted that O’Connor’s weekend recall was a ‘big decision’ and, with two central midfielders on loan from Premier League clubs (Isaiah Osbourne from Aston Villa and Joey O’Brien from Bolton Wanderers), it was a move that could easily have sparked criticism from supporters if it had gone wrong.

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However, both O’Connor and captain Tommy Miller, who also won a recall, led by example in the centre of the park.

“I know James is not a fans favourite. Why? I don’t know because he is the most honest of any player,” said Megson. “He is not from Sheffield, he has played for other clubs, but he has got Sheffield Wednesday in his blood. He played on Saturday purely and simply because he has the desire and work-rate.

“He has the most integrity in terms of doing his best for Sheffield Wednesday, he trains like a dream and plays like a dream in terms of effort, honesty, and desire.”

Tonight’s opponents Tranmere are also in the thick of the League One survival battle and are sitting just four points behind the Owls with a game in hand.

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Ironically, they have collected just six points from a possible 30 since beating the Owls 3-0 at Prenton Park on February 15.

That game was goalless with 30 minutes to play, but the Owls quickly collapsed following the dismissal of midfielder Giles Coke.

Defender Rob Jones is set to miss out again tonight after suffering concussion against Brentford seven days ago.

Last six games: Owls LLLDLW, Tranmere DLLWDL.

Last time: Owls 1 Tranmere 2; April 2, 2005; League One

Referee: D Whitestone (Northamptonshire).