Laws prepared to wait to land right man

Watson, able to play in midfield or at the back, has missed three matches with a stomach strain but will be among the options for the Hillsborough clash with Bristol City.

Laws, who also has Richard Hinds and Richard Wood as his current-half pairing, insists that he is not desperate and is prepared to go into tomorrow's game without a new signing if necessary, with the window for full transfers closing today.

He has switched to alternative targets but if he is unable to clinch a deal today will wait until the loan market reopens the week after next and try to make a short-term signing.

"The only kind of defenders who seem to be available at the moment are young players with little experience, which is not what we want," said the Owls chief, who has already signed forwards Akpo Sodje and Etienne Esajas this week.

"I won't make a signing just for the sake of it. The player has to be better than what we've already got."

Watson was signed from West Brom in the summer for his experience and know-how, after making a key contribution while on loan last season, and his return to fitness is welcomed by Laws:

"Steve is an assured player, and he is available again. Richard Hinds has come in and, apart from one of the Charlton goals when he allowed a striker to turn and get in a shot at goal, he had good games against Charlton and Hartlepool.

"We're not desperate, though I am still trying to do something before the deadline and do want to give us greater strength in depth at the back."

Sam Sodje's loan move to Charlton was expected to be confirmed today after the Addicks - who lured Madjid Bougherra to the Valley last season - made their late move for Sodje yesterday and the player signalled a willingness to move from Reading to another London-area club.