Skipper returns to Owls squad

Last updated : 17 March 2004 By Andy Parsons

Skipper Smith has not been being the rock at the heart of defence which he was at the end of last season and his lack of pace has been shown up more than once.

Graham Lee deputised as captain in the absence of the former Leyton Orient man and put in another solid display against Barnsley.

Smith missed the game with Paul Hart’s men due to suspension because of a culmination of yellow cards.

If Turner is to make a change, youngster Lewis McMahon could be the one to be demoted, especially with Robbie Mustoe returning to full fitness and the opportunity to revert to a back three with Smith partnering Lee and Leigh Bromby.

Alan Quinn will today start the first of his massive five-game suspension and his influence will be sorely missed in the Owls engine room.

The Wednesday boss is confident that the likes of Mark Robbins, Paul McLaren and Terry Cooke could return to the fold soon, although it is predicted that the trio will not be ready for first-team action for a few more games at least.