Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan has admitted that he hopes the Owls' city rivals Sheffield United are relegated from the Premier League this season, as it is hard for him not to be envious of their recent success.

The Blades won promotion to the Premier League at the end of last season, ending a 12-year wait for a return to the top flight, and they have settled back in quickly, with Chris Wilder's side currently fifth in the table after 12 games of the season.

Wednesday meanwhile are eighth in the Championship, three points off a play-off place after 16 league games of the campaign, and it seems Bannan is hoping for something of a role reversal next season.

Speaking to The Sheffield Star about the position the two teams currently find themselves in, Bannan said: "It's hard to look at Sheffield United and not be a bit envious.

"It's not nice seeing them doing well, but you've got to give them credit where credit's due. Hopefully this time next year we're the ones up there and they're back down here."

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Explaining the reasons behind his competitiveness with the Owls' local rivals, it appears Bannan's own history has played a part here, as midfielder continued: "It depends how you've been brought up when it comes to rivalries. I’ve been brought up with the Celtic-Rangers rivalry, so wherever I've been I've had that instilled in me.

"From being a Celtic fan and not liking Rangers I went to Aston Villa and it was Birmingham. Now I'm here it's Sheffield United.

"I wouldn't say there's jealousy, but it gives you that extra hunger to go out and try and get there."

Wednesday themselves haven't been in the Premier League since the 1999/2000 campaign, when they were relegated after nine straight seasons in the top flight.

The Verdict

In all honesty, I can't see Bannan's wish coming true here.

Sheffield United have been really impressive since their return to the Premier League at the start of the campaign, and with the foundation they have already laid for themselves, I can't see them being relegated this season.

That however does not mean that Wednesday cannot win promotion themselves this season, with the Owls currently well in the running to do that, something you feel Bannan would settle for even if United do not go down.

Indeed, that would give us the chance to once again have the Steel City Derby in the Premier League, and who doesn't want to see that?