Sheffield Wednesday boss throws weight behind ‘tireless’ Owls striker amid drought

Paterson hasn’t scored since back in October when he found the net against Oxford United, but since then has been played in a wide variety of different positions, including centre back, right-wing back and, most recently, up front leading the line.

It can’t have been easy for the former Cardiff City man after being asked to plug gaps all over the field in what has been a tough campaign on the injury front for Moore, and his manager has admitted that he’s desperate for the 27-year-old utility man.

Speaking after the 2-0 defeat to Rotherham United last week, the Owls boss told the media, "I would love him to get a goal… He works so tirelessly and is an important member of the team. He adds so much versatility. He has played in midfield, defence and up front this season.

"When he plays in the attacking positions, we want him to score. He can feel pleased with his performance against Rotherham and we will need him again for Wednesday.

"We want him to score a goal - I am a firm believer if he keeps working he will get a goal."

‘Pato’ got eight goals for the Owls in the Championship last season as they battled the drop, and has got just two this time out in League One – a record he’ll be itching to build upon in the coming weeks as a number of attacking players remain sidelined.

Wednesday’s top scorer, Lee Gregory, may well be back in contention for the game against Doncaster Rovers later this month, however the experienced forward, as well as Josh Windass and Tyreece John-Jules, would all have missed the clash with Accrington Stanley had it gone ahead on Wednesday night.

With that in mind, it remains to be seen whether the Scot will get the nod this coming weekend when the Owls make the trip to Rovers, with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing thought to have picked up an injury and Gregory possibly not quite ready to be thrown back into the starting XI.

Dean: Loose timeline on defender’s Owls return as injury revealed