Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl has insisted John Buckley won't be selected just to avoid Blackburn Rovers recalling him.
The midfielder has only made two Championship starts since Rohl came into the club, replacing Xisco Munoz. Buckley was ineligible to play against his parent club on Saturday and missed the recent defeat to Birmingham City due to family reasons.
Buckley has often been used in more advanced areas, and even out wide, since moving to Hillsborough on a season-long loan, which has a break clause in January. Considering Rovers' lengthy injury list, they could well exercise that option, though no decision has been made yet.
Rohl explained that he is now viewing Buckley as a defensive midfielder rather than a more attacking option. He also insisted that his team selection won't be influenced by the possibility of Blackburn calling him back once the New Year window opens up.
READ MORE: Blackburn Rovers dressing room 'tired' as injuries mount
"He played in the first games when I arrived, for now he was out, but I spoke yesterday with him," Rohl said. "Some of his strengths are that he is very calm on the ball and has energy.
"He has the tactical things (he needs) now, I talk to him more as a number six. He started more as a number 10, but now I see him more as a six. He came into the game (v Leicester) and was strong in the duels, he kept the ball well and gave us time to prepare for the next action and I have been happy with him."
He added: "Honestly, it's about how I can win games at the moment. It's not about making a move to do something which can then influence something else.
"I will select only to go and win games, that is the important thing at the moment. I don't want to think too much about what might happen in the next four weeks."
Rovers sent Buckley on loan to continue his development after he dropped down Jon Dahl Tomasson's pecking order. However, the Rovers head coach didn't want the midfielder to leave in a deal that was partially sanctioned to balance the wage bill.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel