Midfielder looks ahead to Wednesday clash
Oliver Norwood is in confident mood ahead of Town’s first Yorkshire derby of the season - but is wary of a backlash from Sheffield Wednesday.
Dave Jones’ men come into the game on the back of two defeats and Town’s Northern Irish international is wary of a wounded Wednesday.
“They will be on the rebound,” said the midfielder. “We just need to concentrate on ourselves though and worry about what we can do. We aren't frightened by any team in the division and I think we have proven that we can compete at this level. We are very positive and believe that we can go there on Wednesday night and get something out of the game.
“We will have to work hard and earn the right to play, especially with it being a derby. It is our first Yorkshire derby of the season and we want to make sure that our fans come away with the bragging rights. If we can show the same qualities as we did on Saturday, but be better on the ball, then there is no reason as to why we can’t get something out of the game.”
Town returned to action with a victory against Derby - a result Ollie believes could prove very significant.
“It was very important to keep the momentum going, as we were quite disappointed that we didn’t take all three points against Ipswich before the break,” Ollie told htafc.com.
“I don’t think with the ball it was our best performance but we showed that we can dig in and defend – I don’t think Derby had a shot. We need to be better going forward, but the Derby performance proved to us that when the going gets tough we can compete.”
The midfielder continued: “It was vital that we started back with three points and that we begin to make the Stadium a fortress. Only Forest has taken something from us this season and we want to keep the home form going for as long as possible and try and pick up points on the road.
“The team spirit at the moment is unbelievable and I think that shows out on the field. We are all communicating very well and pulling each other along. The midfield unit is performing well and I am really enjoying playing alongside (Keith) Southern. He has helped me out a lot and I thought his performance on Saturday was different class.
“We have got to stick together and I think at the moment we are doing that; everybody worked their socks off on Saturday to make sure we didn't lose the lead. I think in all games so far we have either matched our opponents or bettered them and I think the only team that bossed us was Nottingham Forest.”
Remember it is pay on the gate at Hillsborough on Wednesday night!
