This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Keiren Westwood appears to have been thrown a lifeline by newly-appointed Owls boss Tony Pulis. 

The shot-stopper had previously struggled for game time under the management of Garry Monk during his time with the club, with the former Swansea man opting to go with Cameron Dawson and Joe Wildsmith as his first-choice options between the posts.

But with Monk departing and Pulis taking the reigns at Hillsborough, Westwood is set to return to the first-team picture, with Pulis issuing high-praise for the experienced Irishman in a recent press conference.

Westwood wasn't registered to play for Sheffield Wednesday in the league whilst under Monk's management, but it has recently been revealed by Yorkshire Live's Dom Howson that the goalkeeper has been allowed to be registered by the EFL immediately, which make him available for selection against Preston North End this weekend.

But how big of a boost is this for Sheffield Wednesday, and should Westwood start against Alex Neil's side on Saturday?

We discuss...

Phil Spencer: 

This could be a massive boost for Sheffield Wednesday.

Keiren Westwood was one of the Championship's top goalkeepers before falling out of favour around a year ago. Now he could be the same to save the Owls.

Tony Pulis needs battle-hardened stars who know how to grind out results in the Championship and Westwood undoubtedly ticks that box.

Whether he'll start this weekend is up for debate, but if it was up to me I'd be seriously considering starting him.

The Owls need to start picking up victories and if he's ready, Westwood could be a key man in doing just that.

George Dagless: 

I think we'll see him start.

Pulis wouldn't have put in such effort to get him straight back into the fold and get him registered if he didn't plan of getting him right from the off.

Is it a boost? Let's see how rusty he is first of all. Though I'd say it is because it gives Pulis a player that he evidently rates and Wednesday a goalkeeper that will have a point to prove that he has still got it.

I hope he shows what he can do this weekend against Preston after a tough time out in the cold.

Did these Sheffield Wednesday players ever score a league goal for the club? Test your knowledge in our quiz!

 

Jake Sanders:

This is a huge boost for everyone involved at the club.

Regardless of what went on with Garry Monk, Westwood should have always been first-choice goalkeeper and there's no reason he shouldn't come straight back into the side at Deepdale.

Westwood's lack of match fitness could raise concerns, but considering that he's a goalkeeper, this shouldn't cause too many issues.

For me, I'd thrown him straight back in, especially with Cameron Dawson currently under fire.