Sheffield Wednesday v Hartlepool United: Chief Megson guards against complacency

The Owls are seven points clear of the League One relegation zone with five more games to play but Megson is taking for nothing granted.

He has made it clear that several players are still fighting for futures at Hillsborough and need to prove they are worthy of new deals.

“We have had two good results on the spin at Hillsborough and we want to try and keep that going,” he said. “We are not safe yet so we want three points and we want to play as well as we possibly can.

“Hartlepool are in a position where they are not going to go up or down but they will get turned on by coming here,” he added. “They won’t roll over because this is an end of season game.”

Midfielder Tommy Miller is one of five players out of contract in the summer while striker Neil Mellor, who is on loan from Preston North End, has also stated a desire to stay next season.

“If players want to stay, they have to perform,” stressed Megson.

“If they want to go to a higher level, the requirements are the same regardless of whether you are out of contract or not. When you sign for this club, you agree to give everything you have got, every time you play – not just when your contract is coming to an end.

“One of the problems we have is consistency,” added Megson.

“Neil Mellor looked every bit a £5m striker against Tranmere but, a few days later (against Brighton), he looked nothing like that.

“It’s wrong making judgements on one game. We have to get to the end of the season and then make decisions then for the benefit of the football club.

“If Neil is going to play every week like he did against Tranmere, I will ask the chairman for big dough. If he plays like he did against Brighton, I won’t.”