Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeping rival rates Cameron Dawson's return to the side and explains how the rivalry for the gloves is hotting up

But that’s just not the case at Middlewood Road, according to Joe Wildsmith, who’s ahead-of-time return from a long-term knee injury has seen him shuffle into third place in the pecking order behind Cameron Dawson and Keiren Westwood.

Wildsmith was initially expected to be out until after Christmas but featured in two under-23s matches last week.

Speaking to The Star, he said that he would be open to a loan move away from S6 should Garry Monk see that as the best way forward.

And he praised the efforts of Dawson, who he has come through the ranks with at the club, after he replaced out-of-favour Westwood last month.

Asked what he thought of his manager’s call to drop the experienced Westwood, Wildsmith said: “It’s the gaffer’s decision.

“He’s made that and he does what’s best for the team. All I can say is that everyone in that goalie group pushed one another, it’s a close-knit group all of a good standard.

“The gaffer picks whoever he wants to pick and if he feels that Cammy is the one for now, then that’s his decision.

“Cam’s done well, he’s come in and he’s done great, you can’t fault how he’s played, especially considering that he’s been thrown in halfway through the season.”

On the dynamic since Dawson usurped Westwood five games ago, Wildsmith said little had changed.

“It’s not a case of dismissing people because they’re after your job or whatever,” he said.

“It’s about the team at the end of the day, it’s about Sheffield Wednesday and whoever is best to play in that role, plays in that role.

“Everyone knows that. The group is good, it’s a good group of lads. We have a laugh, we get on and we push one another. We work hard and that’s how it’s going to be

“You can’t have disruptions in the group, that’s how it’s got to be.”