BRUCIE TO REACH FOR SKY NOW

SHEFF WED READING 0 0 NO ONE needed to tell Steve Bruce that Adam Reach was something special.

The Wednesday winger stuck a 30-yard screamer past former club Aston Villa last season.

But one week into his new job, Owls boss Bruce (above) admits his plans include a centre-stage role for 26-year-old Reach.

On an ultimately disappointing afternoon for both teams, Reach ran the show for the first 45 minutes at Hilsborough.

His tricks, passing, one-twos were out of the top drawer. His shooting? Not so much.

Bruce said: “Can I build my side round him? Yes, he’s one of them. He is quiet, he’s got a confidence about him which is good, which you need to have.

“I saw him score a 30-yarder down at Villa Park last season and I have always thought he was a good player.”

Bruce knows he faces a major challenge to turn round Wednesday’s fortunes and hopes that some good old-fashioned hunger will help.

He added: “There are players who are out of contract in the summer who are itching for a new deal, so it’s an important two or three months.”

Owls striker Fernando Forestieri admits he is failing to hit the heights but has confidence in Bruce.

He said: “I want to give something back to the manager because he has supported me.”

Reading are under new management too and Jose Gomes is hoping two successive 0-0 draws is a sign they are stopping the rot – despite a run of just one win in 16 games.

He said: “We are not winning, that is true, but we have lost one in five and now we must find a way to win.”

MATCH STATS

REF: ATT: