Sheffield Wednesday: '˜My players gave everything' '¦Â Luhukay reacts to Owls cup defeat

Manager Jos Luhukay praised the effort of his Sheffield Wednesday players as they bowed out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Jos LuhukayJos Luhukay
Jos Luhukay

The Owls fell at the second-round hurdle to two goals after the break against a side that had held top-flight champions Manchester City to a draw at the weekend and Luhukay said his men couldn't be faulted for application.

After an even first half, they fell behind in the 52nd minute and rallied for a spell before an 84th-minute penalty ended the contest.

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"We had maybe two or three chances to score in the second half, but we were against a very good opponent," he said. "I think my team gave everything."

Luhukay made 11 changes to the team that had started the 2-1 triumph over Ipswich Town last Saturday, bringing in senior men like Fernando Forestieri and Sam Hutchinson from the bench and selecting Academy prospects Ash Baker, Frederik Nielsen, Jack Lee and Fraser Preston.

"We play with four or five young players from our under-23s," the boss said. "They learn a lot in the game. Some of the other players have not had many minutes.

"The first half was balanced, with both teams defending very well. There weren't many chances. It was difficult. There was not a lot of space for either side. 

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"In the second half, Wolves were faster on the ball. They had more combinations and they kept hold of the ball for longer.

"We are not in the next round, but we see some positives from this game."

The tie was Wednesday's fifth matches in 12 days and Luhukay rested his first-choice side with Saturday's Championship trip to Reading in mind.

The clash with the Royals is the final game before the first international break of the season and Luhukay welcomed its arrival.

"There have been a lot of matches in a short time," he said. "My players have worked very hard."