Sheffield Wednesday dealing with unwanted distraction ahead of Portsmouth game as midfielder Barry Bannan linked with shock exit
Sheffield Wednesday have been handed an unwelcome distraction ahead of their game against Pompey today
Sheffield Wednesday’s preparations for their game against Pompey today have had an unwelcome distraction.
That’s after reports emerged that key player and club legend Barry Bannan could be poised to leave the Owls this month.
The thirty-six-year-old midfielder has been part of the Hillsborough furniture for more than a decade following his move from Crystal Palace in 2015.
The Scot has racked up 468 appearances for the club during that period and stuck by them in the summer when team-mates were leaving in their droves amid Wednesday’s financial issues under former owner Dejphon Chansiri.
That’s seen him feature 28 times this season and produce six goal contributions for Henrik Pedersen’s bottom-placed side, who are destined to be competing in League One next term.
However, doubts have emerged whether the former Leeds and Derby man will add to his impressive Wednesday stats for much longer.
According to Sky Sports’ North East reporter Keith Downie, there’s a growing belief that Bannan could walk away from the Owls before the January transfer window closes at 7pm on February 2. And the experienced campaigner won’t be short of options, with Preston North End, Stoke and Millwall reportedly keen, along with two clubs in Scotland.
Bannan, who scored in Wednesday’s 2-0 victory over Pompey in September, is now into the final six months of his current Hilsborough contract.
Sheffield Wednesday’s preparations for Pompey game
Pedersen already had a headache going into today’s Hillsborough game against fourth-from-bottom Pompey, with the Dane having to cope with a host of injuries to his already threadbare squad.
Keeper Pierce Charles is the latest addition to that list, after he picked up a shoulder injury in last weekend’s FA Cup defeat at the hands of Brenford - a game Bannan was rested for.
However, help arrived from QPR, who sanctioned a free loan move for their shot-stopper Murphy Cooper in the build-up to today’s fixture.
And he’s expected to feature against the Blues - as is Man City youngster Jaden Heskey, after both new loan arrivals were registered before Friday’s midday deadline.
Wednesday, however, are expected to field yet another youthful side for the visit of John Mousinho’s troops, whose ranks have also been bolstered this week following the arrivals of Millenic Alli (loan) and Ebou Adams.
Meanwhile, focus will be on Bannon as the Hillsborough faithful are left wondering whether he could be the next high-profile player to depart the south Yorkshire side, who remain in administration.
Pompey need a win at Wednesday in order to boost their survival hopes, with the Blues just one point and a place above the relegation zone ahead of today’s game.