Sheffield Wednesday’s Barry Bannan still has Scotland ambitions

It is two-and-a-half years since the cultured midfielder won the last of his 27 caps, in a 2-2 draw in Slovenia.

The Scots have a number of exciting talents in midfield, with Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour hinting before the suspension of football for the coronavirus he could soon challenge the likes of Sheffield United’s John Fleck, Manchester United’s Scott McTominay and Aston Villa’s John McGinn.

Bannan is only 30 and still one of the best midfielders in the Championship, so even with the European Championships postponed until next summer – Scotland must win a play-off series to qualify – he has time to play for his country again, and is in contact with manager Steve Clarke.

“I’ve had little bits and bobs (of communication),” revealed Bannan, who made his debut in 2010.

“I spoke to the manager before we played Leeds (in January), I bumped into him in the hotel just by the off-chance because he was coming to the game.

“But my main aim is to help my club and hopefully if I’m doing it well enough, I’ll get the call-up.

“It’s my country and everybody wants to play for their country. They’ve got two massive (play-off) games and if I’m picked and I’m not injured, I’ll want to play.”

Injury had been a concern, but the coronavirus might come to his aid. Bannan had been playing with a groin strain before the suspension. Frustrating though it is for everyone, it should help him get back to his best.

“It was getting to the point where I really needed (an injection),” he said. “I’d have had to take a few weeks out and the situation we were in, I didn’t want to be doing that.”

The Owls had only won two of 12 Championship matches since Christmas, and were nine points above the relegation zone. Ordinarily that would not be huge cause for concern, but the club are on a misconduct charge over the sale and lease-back of Hillsborough to owner Dejphon Chansiri, which could carry a points deduction which wipes that cushion out.

That individual charges against Chansiri, John Redgate and Katrien Meire were dropped last week gives encouragement the worst could be avoided.