Henrik Pedersen hails Barry Bannan for two things in Sheffield Wednesday’s win at Portsmouth

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Sheffield Wednesday hero Barry Bannan was in fine form in the Owls’ victory over Portsmouth on Saturday.

The 35-year-old dispatched a wonderful 25-yard free-kick to put his side 1-0 up, outwitting Portsmouth goalkeeper Ben Killip.

George Brown’s second-half strike then doubled the Owls’ lead and secured the club’s first Championship win of the season.

It was a much-needed three points for Henrik Pedersen, and after the game, he heaped praise on the superlative Scotsman.

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Henrik Pedersen praises Barry Bannan for performance and ‘support’

Pompey boss John Mousinho singled out Bannan ahead of the clash as one for his side to watch out for, and it took only 12 minutes for him to impact proceedings.

Bannan’s stunning free-kick was his second goal of the season, taking his tally to 37 for the Owls, and his captain’s display was the catalyst for Wednesday’s win.

Bannan congratulated Brown with a touching gesture as the goalscoring youngster was substituted off, and it was his supportive role as well as his performance that pleased Pedersen.

Pedersen told Sheffield Wednesday’s media: “I think he was a great captain today, one thing is what he does through his actions, how he plays, winning balls, but the other thing is how he supports his players.

“He was great, but today, our best player was the team. How they worked together and the discipline for the game plan, we played a little more direct than we had in the other games, but the clarity today was amazing for the boys.

“You can do a lot if you do it with heart and the boys played with heart today. They have tried everything and today is a well-deserved win.

“What do you need to win a game in the Championship? You need to go all out, with heart and do all what you can – that’s what the boys did today, they really deserved it.”

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Barry Bannan’s stunning stats for Sheffield Wednesday against Portsmouth

Sheffield Wednesday had several contenders for man-of-the-match at Fratton Park, with Ethan Horvath, Yan Valery and Harry Amass impressing alongside Bannan.

While Manchester United loanee Amass shone most for Sheffield Wednesday against Portsmouth, that should not detract from Bannan’s performance.

The veteran midfielder covered every blade of grass at Portsmouth and dictated the game in defence and attack for Sheffield Wednesday.

With Bannan turning 36 before the turn of the year, the Owls hero is proving once again that age is just a number by continuing to be one of the best players in the Championship right now.