Owls’ Westwood ready for Magpie test

Sheffield Wednesday keeper Keiren Westwood hopes to knock Newcastle’s Championship promotion push in tomorrow’s Hillsborough showdown (5.30pm).

The sixth-placed Owls regained a play-off place by beating Rotherham in midweek, while the Magpies are just as eager for points as they look to maintain their 10-point lead on third-top Huddersfield, with just six games left.

Ex-Sunderland keeper Westwood said: “We have a lot of big games coming up but we are looking forward to it. I’m sure the fans will get right behind us. The onus will be on us to attack at home and I’m sure the manager will do his homework and pick a team he feels can get three pointsy.

“We will try to put in a good performance and get the win.

“We have six games left. Anything can happen in this league. It’s the business end of the season and we need to make sure we pick up enough points to finish in the playoffs.” The Ireland international added: “Newcastle are a good side and have been in the top two for most of the season. It’s going to be a tough game; there’s no doubt about that.

“I’m sure Newcastle won’t be letting up and will be looking to win the title. We have to get points ourselves so I’m sure it will be a cracking game, like it was at their place.”

Former Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher was one of four alterations made by head coach Carlos Carvalhal in the Owls’ midweek succes, and the experienced striker fully justified his inclusion by bagging a first-half brace, ending his three-month barren spell in front of goal for the 30-year-old. “I was delighted for Fletch,” Westwood told the Sheffield Star.

Ex-Sunderland striker David Dowson hit a hat-trick as Spennymoor Town consolidated second place in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division by beating Ilkeston 3-0 last night.