Sheffield Wednesday striker Sam Winnall has revealed that he turned down the chance to leave the club on loan during January's transfer deadline day, report the Sheffield Star

Instead, the 28-year-old opted to stay and fight for his place in the Owls' side as he looks to impress manager Steve Bruce in the coming weeks.

"There were one or two inquiries about Sam," Bruce said.

"But, to be fair to him, he wanted to stay and prove himself to ourselves.

"That was his response and that is fine by me. I have no problem with that."

Winnall enjoyed a productive spell on loan with Derby County last season, scoring six goals in 18 appearances, before picking up a nasty injury in mid-February.

He made his first appearance of the season for the Owls from the bench at the end of December in a 1-1 draw with West Brom.

Since then he has made two more cameo appearances but is yet to be entrusted with a starting place as his manager monitors his fitness.

Wednesday picked up a much-needed win in Bruce's first match in charge last weekend, seeing of Ipswich Town 1-0 at Portman Road as they look to move clear of the relegation zone.

The verdict 

This should be thoroughly encouraging to all Sheffield Wednesday fans.

At his best, there is not a better striker at Hillsborough than Sam Winnall, it has just been so long since he has been able to show it.

But the fact he wants to stay and regain that level of performance as quickly as possible is a very positive sign.