Wednesday left waiting as Johnson faces time on sidelines

The Jamaican international lasted just nine minutes at Preston North End on Tuesday evening before limping off with a hamstring problem.

The winger was playing in his fourth match back from a six-week lay-off with a similar problem and had a scan yesterday to assess how long he will be out this time.

A similar six-week lay-off would rule Johnson out for the remainder of the season, the final game being at home to Crystal Palace on May 2.

Johnson's return has co-incided with a four-match unbeaten run for Wednesday after their 5-0 humilation at Reading last month.

Following Johnson's early exit, the Owls fell two goals behind before rallying to earn a deserved 2-2 draw.

Irvine said: "I don't know whether the loss of Jermaine was a big blow psychologically because he's been excellent for us in recent games.

"He gives us a cutting edge but we have to cope with these sort of setbacks."

Irvine will hope Wednesday can emulate their second-half Deepdale display as the Owls have successive home games against two of their fellow relegation strugglers. They host Derby County on Saturday before Watford arrive next Wednesday.

"It was a great response," said Irvine, of their Deepdale fightback.

"People are telling me it's a long time since Sheffield Wednesday have had a comeback like that, from being two goals down.

"I'm delighted that we were able to do that but I wasn't happy that we got ourselves in that position in the first place.

"But it was certainly a much better performance in the second half than in the first."

Young winger Rocky Lekaj has left the Owls after the Norwegian's contract was cancelled by mutual consent.

The 20-year-old was highly rated when he first joined the club but has made just six first-team appearances in Owls colours.

Bradford City manager Peter Taylor has offered Peter Thorne the chance to join his coaching team at Valley Parade after the veteran striker agreed to have his playing contract cancelled.

The 36-year-old, who has spent over two years with the Bantams but has been plagued by injury, twice ending the season as the club's leading goalscorer, will sign cancellation forms this week.