Sheffield Wednesday: Adam Reach backs Owls to be in promotion hunt

Carlos Carvalhal’s charges, who made it through to the Play-off Final last time around, lie in 14th position ahead of today’s encounter with Nottingham Forest.

Reach, the club’s record signing, told The Star: “We can handle the expectations.

“We had a sticky start at Middlesbrough the season after we reached the final, just like Wednesday have done. It is just about the players getting over the hangover of the Wembley defeat.

“Performances have been good and I think the results will follow.

“I’m not worried about where we will finish. I think we will be up there.”

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Winger Reach believes a top-six finish is the minimum requirement.

“I would imagine the manager and the other players have their own personal goals but for a top Championship side promotion is always the aim,” he stressed. “It doesn’t matter if it is the play-offs.

“Preferably, we would like the top two. Hopefully we can be there or thereabouts and then it’s just down to us playing like we can do.”

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The 23-year-old, who may be deployed at left-back if Daniel Pudil (thigh) misses out, is paying little attention to the current standings.

He stressed: “It’s early days to be looking at the table. The strong teams will be up there towards the end, Wednesday included.

“In my head I just always try to concentrate on the next game.”

Utility player Jeremy Helan left Wednesday by mutual consent yesterday. The 24-year-old, a devout Muslim, clocked up 145 appearances for the Owls but plans to devote his life to religion.

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