Special day now forgotten as O'Connor targets three points against city rivals

Wife Amy was due to be induced on the Friday before last season's match at Bramall Lane on February 7, but O'Connor managed to put the birth back 24 hours so he could go from pitchside to bedside.

After helping the Owls to a rare League double over the Blades – their first in 95 years thanks to goals from Tommy Spurr and Marcus Tudgay – O'Connor then had to dash back over the Pennines to Warrington in time for the delivery of Oliver James.

"Doing the double last season was one of the standout moments," said O'Connor.

"After the game at Bramall Lane, my son was born that night so it was an incredible day for us as a family. It's something I will never forget and brings a smile to my face every time I think about it. It was a remarkable day.

"To be honest, I couldn't get out of Sheffield. I was parked in the Bramall Lane car park and it took ages just to get out of the car park.

"I didn't know Sheffield that well, so it took me another 20 minutes to find my way out of Sheffield.

"I was in a real panic.

"Then when we got to the hospital it was just very draining. I think I slept for a couple of days afterwards, it took quite a bit out of me, but it was just a very special occasion. It was great when he was born, but it was a hectic day.

"They wanted to induce her on the Friday, obviously I spoke to her and said can we wait until Saturday. The doctor was great, he said as long as the labour doesn't start we can let it go until the Saturday.

"It dragged on a little at the end, I think he was actually born about 3am in the end.

"In fairness, Amy was brilliant. Most wives wouldn't have been quite so understanding and let me play, but I was adamant that I was playing."

O'Connor, who joined the Owls on a free transfer from Burnley in 2008, accepts while the derby atmosphere will be intense, Wednesday's need for three points in their fight against relegation must come first.

The Blades beat Wednesday

3-2 at Bramall Lane in September and will be determined to finish their season on a high by nudging their bitter rivals towards the drop and League One football.

"Doing the double for the first time in 90 years was something special, but all that needs to be put to bed because we need to win on Sunday," said the 31-year-old Dubliner.

"It's a game we need to win. We understand the importance of it, it being a derby.

"All derbies are huge games, I've played in a few, but I think the intensity of the Sheffield derby is very special and they are great games to play in. I'm looking forward to Sunday and I am sure all of Sheffield is. I wouldn't say hatred, but dislike for each other is very intense.

"There's intensity at most clubs with their rivals, but in Sheffield it seems to be so intense. I was playing at a golf day, and there was a Sheffield United fan who ended up there – I think his wife had tricked him into playing – he was playing, but you could see he wasn't happy and his mates were giving him some banter.

"He clearly wasn't enjoying it, but I am sure they are all enjoying the pain we are going through at the moment. But hopefully we can get the three points on Sunday and stay up."