The performance of Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan caught the eye of Wycombe Wanderers’ boss, Gareth Ainsworth, at Hillsborough.
The former Scottish international scored in the 3-1 win for the Owls on what was the 10th anniversary of Ainsworth taking charge of the club.
His through balls, leadership, and overall quality was evident to see, and the Wanderers boss believes he will have a huge part to play in Sheffield Wednesday’s season.
32 - Goal. Bannan puts Wednesday ahead.#Owls #Chairboys
— James Richings (@James_BFP) September 24, 2022
🦉 2-1 🪑
During the match, Ainsworth deployed right back Jason McCarthy in the centre of the midfield to man mark the ex-Aston Villa and Crystal Palace player.
And even though McCarthy won several duels, the day belonged to Bannan.
Since joining Sheffield Wednesday in 2015, the 32-year-old has played 319 times for the club and has scored 25 goals.
Goal. (Barry Bannan)
— The Wycombe Way (@theWycombeWay) September 24, 2022
2-1 [33’] #Chairboys
Ainsworth said: “Keeping someone like Barry Bannan quiet is a hard job.
“He is probably one of the best-paid players in the league for a reason as he is a Premier League player.
“Sheffield Wednesday have kept hold of him and he runs the show sometimes.
“Jason McCarthy did his best to put a lid on Barry today and I think he did OK.
“It wasn’t the Barry Bannan show as we have seen in the past, but it’s just disappearing to leave with nothing.”
32 - GOAL! The hosts retake the lead through Barry Bannan. After a quick counter attack Bannan is found alone in the box to tuck the ball into the net. #SWFC 2-1 #Chairboys
— Jack Dawson (@JakDaw74) September 24, 2022
The boss also spoke about David Stockdale on what was his first appearance against Wycombe since joining the Owls in the summer.
He made several important stops during the match, as well as taking his time when retrieving the ball – a trick he picked up at Adams Park.
Ainsworth continued: “Any keeper will take their time, so there are no moans from me.
BANNAN!! pic.twitter.com/KueA4Bow7N
— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) September 24, 2022
“Other managers will moan about time wasting and it’s funny because the only managers that moan about time-wasting are the ones that have lost.
“I’m not going to do that today – I’m not going to lower my standards!”
Up next for Wycombe is a home match against Plymouth on October 1.
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