Wolves v Sheffield Weds: May’s best days are to come – Gray

The 22-year-old was called up to the Scotland squad yesterday just two days after his goal at Hillsborough earned the Owls a draw against Fulham.

It was his eighth goal in 34 appearances for Wednesday, which is lower than the ratio they were expecting from a player they spent £800,000 on from St Johnstone on the eve of the season.

But with a full pre-season ahead of him and the knowledge of what it takes to play at this level now under his belt, Gray believes May will be more of a handful and a more reliable goalscorer for Wednesday next term.

“Stevie should be sat there with more goals, he’s not the only striker in this division thinking that”, said Gray. “But once he’s had a pre-season for us he’ll be fitter and stronger and the best is yet to come from him.

“We’re delighted he’s got the call-up. His international debut was against England last autumn so he’s obviously done something right in his time here.

“You just keep telling players to keep your head down and keep working hard because you will get your reward.

“We’ve got 10 players away on international duty which shows we’re doing something right.”

Wednesday head to Wolves tonight, a side who, unlike the mid-table Owls, still have a play-off place to chase.

Gray, a former Wolves manager, said: “They’re three points off the play-offs, a strong physical side, but we’re in good form away from home.”

Wednesday have recalled striker Caolan Lavery from a productive loan spell at Chesterfield in League One, to provide competition for Atdhe Nuhiu, May and Chris Maguire. Liam Palmer and Will Keane – injured on the Owls’ poor pitch on Saturday – went for scans yesterday.

Last six games: Wolves WWWLDD; Sheffield Wednesday LWWLWD.

Referee: S Hooper (Wiltshire).

Last time: Wolves 1 Sheffield Wednesday 0; September 29, 2012; Championship.