Carlos Carvalhal has criticised Barry Bannan’s recent performances for Sheffield Wednesday, but claims he is not worried about the player’s dip in form, reports the Yorkshire Post.

Bannan has played a key part for the Owls this season, making 29 appearances in the Sky Bet Championship, and helping the club challenge for a Play-Off place.

Since winning a man of the match award in the Owls’ 1-0 victory over Wigan Athletic at the start of the month, Bannan has produced two under-par displays against Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers, something his manager has picked up on:

“The last two performances have not been Barry’s best and I have talked to him. He’s a player who all the time thinks in the correct way.

“He did some very good things in the last game, with some poor things.”

Carvalhal has backed the Scottish international to rediscover his best form, and contribute toward the Owls promotion push: “He’s not a player I’m worried about. I know him very well. He’s a fighter and these kind of fighters discover the way very soon.

“I have good expectations that we will see the best of Barry Bannan again on Saturday.”

Wednesday face Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon, at the City Ground, where they will be looking to solidify their place in the top-six.

Carvalhal’s side are currently sixth in the Championship table, and have a four-point cushion over seventh placed Norwich City going into this weekend’s fixtures.

Wednesday fans… Have you been disappointed with Bannan’s recent performances? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!