Forestieri nets on his Wednesday return
FORESTIERI made a goalscoring return for Sheffield Wednesday after six months out following knee surgery.
The 28-year-old had not played since August, but netted from the penalty spot for the Owls’ Under23s against Coventry City yesterday at Hillsborough.
Forestieri played an hour and is hoping to feature for the Owls during their final eight games of a disappointing Championship season.
“I feel sad because I have missed the whole season, but now I want to focus on the present and future here in Sheffield,” the Agentinian said.
“I want to play, it’s been six months, I’m happy to be back. I hope I can play some games and for next season I’m sure the players will give 200 per cent.
“We need to give something to the fans because they deserve something important.”
Without Forestieri, and with a lengthy injury list at Hillsborough, the Owls have struggled in the league, sitting 17th in the table with just 41 points from 38 games.
The striker has netted 27 goals in 61 league starts since his £3m switch from Watford in 2015.
He added: “I don’t want to create pressure for us. We need to work hard with each other, have a strong changing room and let’s see what will happen.
“I love to see this stadium full, it is a big positive about this club and the fans deserve something.
“I want to finish this season well and then see the club do something good next season.”
Dutch defender Joost van Aken also got a 90-minute outing as he builds up his fitness. He has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since Boxing Day.
Wednesday return to Championship action on Good Friday with the visit of Preston North End before a trip to strugglers Sunderland on Easter Monday. EVERTON’S Dominic CalvertLewin says that former Scotland forward Duncan Ferguson is helping him become a better player for England.
The Under-21 international has been working with first-team coach Ferguson at Goodison Park as he looks to improve his game.
Calvert-Lewin joined Everton from Sheffield United and returns to Bramall Lane tonight for the Young Lions’ Euro 2019 qualifier with Ukraine.
The 20-year-old is also getting tips off team-mate Wayne Rooney, England’s record goalscorer, but is still feeling the benefit of working with Ferguson.
“I work a lot with Duncan Ferguson – and after training – doing finishing drills and how to become a better player,” he said.
“Also a player of Wayne RoonFERNANDO ey’s calibre coming into Everton was massive for the club and the young players, especially me as a centre-forward. It’s hard to say what he’s taught me, but it’s little specifics, little pointers here and there.
“I like to think I’ve got a bit of everything in my game. I like to bring different things to the table.”
Calvert-Lewin is the only Englishman to score in a World Cup final, alongside Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters, after netting the winner in last summer’s 1-0 Under-20 final victory over Venezuela. A senior call is yet to come, with Calvert-Lewin starting just once in the league this year, but he feels ready.
He said: “I back myself, I believe in my ability. I think the more I play the more goals I will score and will become more prolific because I’m working hard in training to become a better player every day and I do believe I can play for England at some point.”