OWLS STARS FOCUS ON SAFETY FLIGHT

CALLUM PATERSON says Sheffield Wednesday’s players are fighting for their futures to make the club safe.

His job could be a little more secure this week if all goes to plan and the Owls have wiped out their points deficit.

Wednesday picked up a crucial win at Birmingham on Saturday and now host Brentford and Luton this week.

And by the end of the week, boss Garry Monk wants the 12-point penalty imposed for breaking spending rules reset to zero.

“There has been a positive response from the players to the situation we are in,” said Owls striker Paterson.

“On top of that it’s our livelihood. We want to be playing in this division, so we have got to give it our all and try and get out of this situation.”

A penalty winner from Barry Bannan (above) leaves Wednesday on -4 points, and Paterson added: “We are moving in the right direction.

“We deserved the win over Birmingham, although we were lucky to win the penalty. It was a bit soft.”

And Paterson should know because it was him tripped by Adam Clayton for Bannan to score in the 49th minute.

Birmingham keeper Neil Etheridge kept the score down and the Blues were toothless until very late when they might have stolen an unlikely draw.

“We weren’t making chances until late,” agreed Aitor Karanka, who suffered his first league defeat as City manager.

“Now we must work out why in time for our next match at Norwich.”

BIRMINGHAM: Etheridge 8, Colin 6, Dean 6, Friend 7, Pedersen 6, Gardner 5 (Roberts 83), Clayton 6, Sanchez 5, Cowley 5 (Mcgree 58, 5), Bela 5 (Leko 67, 5), Hogan 5.

SHEFF WED: Dawson 6, Odubajo 7, Flint 7, Van Aken 7 Harris 7, Luongo 7, Reach 7, Bannan 7, Kachunga 7 (Dele-bashiru 83), Paterson 7 (Pelupessy 90) Windass 7 (Marriott 77, 5).

REFEREE: Graham Scott