Sheffield Wednesday v Bournemouth: Clean-living O'Connor sets managerial target

Howe, 32, was a shock appointment by the Cherries two years ago but his team now sit third in League One after winning automatic promotion last season.

A former England Under-21 international midfielder, Howe made over 250 appearances for the south-coast club but was forced into premature retirement three years ago by a serious knee injury.

O'Connor, 31, is also keen to move into management but is banking on a healthy lifestyle to extend his playing career.

Speaking ahead of today's encounter between the clubs at Hillsborough, O'Connor said: "You always like to see people who work hard getting on in football. Eddie Howe has done a really good job and I am pleased to see someone so young doing so well in management. Further down the line, it might mean someone will give me a chance.

"I would love the challenge of football management," he added. "People talk about the pressure involved – but it's nothing compared to 490,000 people losing their jobs because of Government cuts."

O'Connor, who never drinks alcohol and does not smoke, is due to take his UEFA Pro Licence next summer after being rejected as 'too young' last summer.

"I tried to get on the course last summer but I wasn't allowed," he recalled.

"Next summer, I am going to apply again. These courses are important but I am also learning every day. The management and staff are very analytical and it's a very good learning environment.

"You have to work out what you are going to do when you finish," he added. "I like to think I am organised and I am planning ahead. I want to make sure I have all the qualifications boxed off so, if I do get an opportunity, I have given myself every chance to succeed."

Dublin-born O'Connor joined the Owls three summers ago after spells at Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion and Burnley.

He has been a regular in the first team throughout the majority of his stay but competition in central midfield has been increased this season by the arrival of Giles Coke and the return to fitness of Tommy Miller.

"You don't know what the future holds but I want to play as long as I possibly can," he said. "I will certainly be trying to play on until I am 40.

"I have never had a drink or a smoke because I have always wanted to give my career every chance. Other lads may have a time and a place for that but while I am playing it is something I don't think I need to do. When you finish, you can drink and smoke as much as you want."

The Owls have won four games in a row and surged back up the table after a four-game slump in September. Confidence is sky-high again at Hillsborough but O'Connor insists no one is getting carried away.

"We have been pleased, especially with the last couple of games, but it's important to keep working hard," he said. "Everyone has to concentrate on their job and, as a team, we have to work hard. It's also important that you take on board what the manager says and do what he says.

"As one of the experienced professionals, I think it's important that you do try and help some of the younger ones. Hopefully, they will listen to you – if they don't there's not too much you can do."

The Owls are still awaiting news on the proposed 2m cash injection that was promised by new investors a fortnight ago.

The move was the first stage of a deal worth in excess of 15m – a deal which the Owls are increasingly desperate to secure ahead of their return to the High Court next month to fight a winding-up petition.

Former manager Chris Turner, who has been involved on behalf of the consortium with links to the oil trade, is likely to be in the directors' box again this afternoon.

Sheff Weds v Bournemouth

Team news: Owls defender Jon Otsemobor starts a three-game ban but Mark Beevers is available again after missing two games with an ankle injury. With midfielder Giles Coke (hamstring) also back in contention, manager Alan Irvine has the luxury of a fully-fit squad.

Last six games: Owls LDWWWW, Bournemouth LWWLDW.

Last time: Owls 0 Bournemouth 1; September 18, 2004; League One.

Referee: RJ Booth (Nottinghamshire)

SkyBet odds: Owls to win 10-11, Bournemouth to win 3-1, Draw 5-2.