Owls aim to recruit ahead of tough test from Boro
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY head coach Carlos Carvalhal was pleased to see his side go through to the third round of the Capital One Cup with a 1-0 victory at home to Oxford United – but still has his sights set on strengthening the squad.
Atdhe Nuhiu was the matchwinner, scoring the only goal of the game early in the second half.
Ahead of the visit of Middlesbrough on Saturday, the Portuguese said: “We know exactly what we are missing and we are working hard.
“We’ll see what happens in the transfer window. I believe we’ll be stronger with more options. I never talk about players, but I have some wishes. Players can go out and some can come in. Anything can happen.”
Christian Stuani’s double gave Boro a 2-1 extra-time win at Burton Albion following George Friend’s own goal.
Boro chief Aitor Karanka made seven changes, including a first start of the season for veteran former England defender Jonathan Woodgate.
“I think Jonathan needed a sit down afterwards, but he showed what a great professional he is,” said Karanka. “He puts everything into it and is a great example to other players.”
Two goals in the second half from Ross McCormack and a strike by Moussa Dembele gave Fulham a 3-0 home win over Sheffield United.
The Blades finished with nine men following the late dismissals of Jose Baxter for a lunge on Tom Cairney and Kieran Wallace for a professional foul on Dembele.
United manager Nigel Adkins fumed: “Really, the disappointing thing is the stupid challenge from Jose Baxter, to get himself sent off – it was a reckless challenge. Obviously, I’ve had a few words with Jose.”
Hull assistant manager Mike Phelan praised forward Greg Luer after he netted his second goal of this season’s League Cup to send them through with a 1-0 home win over Rochdale.
Hull manager Steve Bruce had made nine changes and Phelan said: “We talk about Greg and the kid’s done terrific. He probably has been fortunate to get a little look at it but he’s taken that opportunity. Hopefully, he can keep responding to what’s happening on the training ground. It’s a great test of character and he does look like he’s enjoying himself.”
York manager Russ Wilcox was delighted with the Minstermen’s performance in the 3-0 defeat Swansea.
“We stuck at it and the most pleasing thing was that we created opportunities. Those players have done York and League Two proud.”