Speaking to the Sheffield Star, Joost van Aken has insisted his aim this season is to help Sheffield Wednesday to promotion in the Sky Bet Championship.

Carlos Carvalhal moved to sign van Aken late in the summer transfer window, with the Dutch defender arriving at Hillsborough on a four-year deal from Heerenveen.

The 23-year-old has now been highlighting his aim for the 2017/18 season, he said: “My ambition and that of Wednesday are the same.

“We want to go up to the Premier League. I want to go up this year.

“With the quality of this group, that (top-two) will be the aim. I think it is possible.”

Van Aken made his Owls debut on Saturday evening, as Carvalhal’s side picked up their second victory of the season against Nottingham Forest.

The Owls put in a commanding display to beat Forest 3-1 at Hillsborough, a result that moved them into the Championship’s top 10.

Wednesday are now preparing for their second game in quick succession, with Carvalhal’s side welcoming Brentford to Hillsborough this evening.

Van Aken will be expected to retain his place in the starting XI after a solid debut, with Wednesday looking to build on the nine points they currently have, and close the gap on the Championship’s top-six.

Carvalhal has a number of injury concerns, with Kieran Lee, Steven Fletcher, Jack Hunt and Ross Wallace all doubts ahead of the clash with Brentford – who remain one of only two Championship sides without a victory this season.

The Verdict  

Van Aken’s debut was extremely impressive, with the Dutch defender looking comfortable alongside Tom Lees in central defence.

It remains to be seen whether Wednesday can make a push for automatic promotion this season, after a lacklustre start to the 2017/18 campaign.

However, Wednesday’s performance against Forest suggested they had turned a corner, and September could be a key month for the Owls in their quest to put themselves in promotion contention.

Sheffield Wednesday fans… Let us know your thoughts!