Sheffield Wednesday player ratings: A tale of two halves for one Owls player against Preston

Horvath: Two key early saves before being beaten by Whiteman. No chances with goals. 6

Fusire: Revelled in his role as right wing-back and came to the first-half party. 8

Otegbayo: Handed a first league start since October 22. Did well enough. 7

Palmer: Quality cross for McNeill's second and showed his calm and experience at the back. Also started the lovely move which led to the opener. 7

Amass: A strong, dynamic outlet down the left and caused North End plenty of bother. Smart assist for opener. 8

Valery: Slotted into the back line and contributed. Went close to scoring and carried on after first-half treatment. 6

Bannan: Some customary contributions, but the sight of others stepping around him as well offensively was heartening to see. 6

Ingelsson: Covered plenty of ground as those in front of him caused damage. 7

McNeill: Two superb goals in a dream first-half and North End couldn’t handle him. But left the game in pain and not because of injury. 8

J Lowe: Dropped into a deep role and took to it consummately. Some sublime stuff in first half. 8

Cadamarteri: Missed a big first-half chance, but there was plenty of other stuff to admire as he chased everything. 7

Substitutes: Redmond (Otegbayo 79).

Cooper (Inglesson 79).

Not used: Stretch, Emery, McGhee, Alao, Johnson, Thornton, Ugbo.