Laws Ponders Changes

Wednesday boss Brian Laws is pondering a number of changes to his Owls side as they travel up the M1 to face Yorkshire rivals Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday.

The Owls will be without defender Graham Coughlan who is away on compassionate leave following the death of his younger brother in Dublin this week - leaving Laws with a number of options at the back.

'It puts everything else into perspective. It's a tradegy and everybody's sympathies go to Graham at this time. Needless to say he won't be invovled at the weekend,' said Laws.

'We can use Steve Watson back in the centre of defence. We'll also be looking at the fitness of Peter Gilbert. If he passes a fitness test we could use him at left-back and move Tommy Spurr in to the centre. I wouldn't have a problem throwing Wood back in there either. He came through the reserve game in midweek and I'm confident he could do well for us.'

And the Owls gaffer is fully aware of the importance the Yorkshire derby carries, and won't be giving any charity to Dennis Wise's men as they battle against relegation.

'The Leeds game is one I am really looking forward to. I am relishing the prospect of going to Elland Road. It will be a big atmosphere and we'll have to quieten the crowd in the early stages. We know that they are in trouble at the bottom of the league but it's our priority to get points and take points off Leeds' he added.

Laws will also be desperate for the points to keep his wife - and die hard Wednesday fan happy.

He added: 'After the Southend game it was the first time my wife had spoken to me in months. She's a big Sheffield Wednesday fan so it's been tough recently and I need to get results to keep her happy!'

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