Sheffield Wednesday: First goal will be crucial in all-Yorkshire final, feels Owls old boy Miguel Llera

Miguel Llera says the first goal will be critical in Wednesday's Championship Play-Off final duel with Hull City.
Former Owls player Miguel LleraFormer Owls player Miguel Llera
Former Owls player Miguel Llera

Carlos Carvalhal’s charges face the Tigers in all-Yorkshire affair on Saturday knowing a victory will see them regain promotion to the Premier League for the first time since 2000.

Hull have been installed as the bookmakers’ favourites to go up, having finished nine points above them in the regular season.

Llera, a valuable member of the Owls’ promotion-winning team four years ago, has told The Star: “I don’t think there will be a lot of chances in the game. There’s a lot of money riding on the game so I think it will be very tight.

“Both teams have got really good players and have a lot of respect for each other.

“They are two evenly-matched sides who are both very comfortable in possession.

“The team who scores first will have a big advantage. They can then play on the counter attack and focus on keeping the ball.”

During his playing days, Llera represented the Owls 91 times. He will be rooting for his old club at Wembley this weekend.

“I’m feeling very positive about Wednesday’s chances, but, in one game, you never know what can happen,” said Llera, who will be cheering the Owls on at the national stadium.

“It would be good for the city and the people around the club if Wednesday get promoted.

“The city desperately needs at least one club in the Premier League and it would be a massive boost for the city’s economy.

Llera set up his Miguel Llera International Football Academy earlier this year. It is currently based at the Spring Leisure Centre and offer youngsters between six and 16 the chance to develop their football skills.

For more information on Llera’s academy, log on to www.miguelllerafootballacademy.co.uk