Winnall is banking on taking place in play-offs

Hopefully, that puts me in contention for the play-offs.

“My attitude never changes whether I am in the squad or not. I always want to be the best in training and the best on the pitch and that is the way I am. I always look to improve and get myself back onto the team-sheet.

“I have done everything I can and given my all and, hopefully, that can put something into the gaffer’s mind.

“It (not playing) is frustrating for any footballer. But, for the gaffer, that is what you want. You would not want people who are out of the squad to be happy. I was unhappy not to be in the squad.

“But I am working hard every day and doing everything I can and trying to get myself back in there. That is all I can do – focus on what I am doing and trying to be the best I can be.”

For the Owls, the likely absence of Hooper may represent a setback ahead of their play-off quest that they could have done without, but the blow is softened by the presence of the likes of Fernando Forestieri, Jordan Rhodes and Winnall, who represent three sound options ready to step in and fill the potential void.

Given the embarrassment of squad riches that Wednesday possess, it is perhaps no surprise that many are bracketing them as favourites to go all the way and secure promotion, despite Carvalhal’s claim that his side have just