Sheffield Wednesday star knew there were ‘opportunities’ to make first-team breakthrough after impact vs Portsmouth

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Sheffield Wednesday’s situation has allowed the next generation of talent to break into the first team.

The Owls secured a first league win of the season after beating Portsmouth 2-0 at Fratton Park.

Those three points were huge for Henrik Pedersen’s side and showed that they can still compete, despite struggling off the pitch.

A number of young academy graduates were in the side, with George Brown capitalising on the chance to score on his full league debut.

Brown is one of many to have made the step up, and he knew that there would always be a chance to prove his worth.

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George Brown backed himself to become Sheffield Wednesday regular

The striker, along with defender Ernie Weaver, were both given their chance from the off at Fratton Park and were brilliant.

His second-half strike made sure of the three points for the Owls, but Brown always knew these chances would come, regardless of the financial issues Wednesday find themselves in.

“Even at the start of pre-season, when those guys were still there, I felt I had a chance,” he told the Sheffield Star. “This gaffer has shown that if you work hard and you do everything you can, he’s not one to say ‘you’re too young’. You feel like you’ve got a chance.

“We’ve got to try to start as many games as we can. It’s me and Ernie today but there are so many lads that are ready to go. With the situation, we kind of knew that there would be opportunities and everyone’s levels have gone up.

“You need people that are pushing each other and when those levels go up, everyone gets better and drives each other on. I want to really claim my place and start as many games as possible.”

Henrik Pedersen left feeling ‘proud’ after exceptional win

It has been a long and difficult season for Wednesday in more than one way, but that win against Portsmouth was a sign of why they refuse to give up.

For Pedersen, it was a huge moment and one where he praised the efforts of every individual in the side.

“I am very, very proud of the boys,” Pedersen said.

“They have trained so hard, had so many knocks but they keep getting up again and again and again.

“This togetherness today and discipline for the gameplan, wow, there was so much courage in the performance.”