Sheffield Wednesday: Barry Bannan makes plea to Owls fans

The Scottish midfielder claims the supporters played a big part in the team gatecrashing the Championship Play-Offs last year.

“The fans can make a big difference,” Bannan told The Star. “They are like an extra man at times.

“At Wembley, they were fantastic. It was just a shame we couldn’t get over the line.

“The fans make Hillsborough a hostile environment and it is hard for teams to come here and get points.”

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In pre-season, Bannan’s qualities have been utilised in the middle of the park. The left-footed player, who has set himself a 10-goal target, was mainly deployed out wide last campaign.

Boss Carlos Carvalhal said: “Barry’s natural position is in the centre but we know he can play on the left.

“It is the same with Kieran Lee. His correct position is in the centre but he can play on the right or left.

“Marco Matias is a right-footed player but he likes to play on the left. Fernando [Forestieri] is more right footed but likes to go on the left.

“All of them are comfortable in their positions and are where they like to play.”

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Carvalhal has challenged his players to perform even better this year, saying: “I want the players to improve. I think we achieved that last season. Most of them achieved the best season of their careers.”

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