Joao has Luc of love as Nsiala sees red

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY boss Jos Luhukay welcomed Lucas Joao’s return from injury after the Portugal star marked his new contract with a double in a heated game.

While Joao (below) took the plaudits, it was a case of going from hero to zero for Ipswich defender Aristote Nsiala.

He drew his side level five minutes before half-time with the Owls howling for offside, before being awarded a harsh red card for a challenge on substitute Fernando Forestieri.

The hosts then claimed the winner two minutes later for their second win a row.

Joao, who signed a new contract tying him to Hillsborough until 2021 in midweek, returned from a groin injury that had kept him out since the first day of the season.

Luhukay said: “We are very happy with that that Lucas was available after his injury.

“We see how important he is in moments in the game. He is a player who is not always predictable for himself and for his team but also for the opponent and he was an important player that we can win this game.” Defeat leaves Ipswich – who had not lost at Hillsborough in nine league visits since 2007 – bottom and searching for their first three points of the season. Manager Paul Hurst – a boyhood Wednesday fan – pointed to the red card which even Luhukay admitted seemed harsh. “I don’t feel I need to say anything. Everybody’s seen it. I’ve been told their guys have said it’s a totally wrong decision,” he said.