Sheffield Wednesday manager Garry Monk says deadline day signings Josh Windass and Connor Wickham should give the rest of his squad both a lift and a challenge.

The Owls left if late on deadline day before completing the signings of Wickham and Windass on loan until the ending of the season from Crystal Palace and Wigan Athletic respectively, but while the duo were not registered in time to feature against in Wednesday's goalless draw with Millwall on Saturday, it seems Monk is already planning to get the pair heavily involved.

Speaking to the Sheffield Star about the duo after that stalemate, Monk said: "We have been tracking Connor for quite a while; it is good to have him in the building although we couldn't get him or Josh done to be available for Millwall.

"But they are in the group and should give everyone a lift and challenge as well. I am looking forward to working with them and integrating them into the group."

On Windass in particular, Monk added: “Josh is a quality player. He has great technique, a high work ethic and he can be effective in those advanced areas.

"It is about having that bit of variety that can help us.”

Wickham, who has nine in 17 appearances in two previous loan spells with the Owls, has made a total of just 50 appearances in an injury-hit four-and-half-years with Crystal Palace since joining from Sunderland in 2015, scoring 11 goals for the Eagles.

Windass meanwhile, has scored nine goals in 56 appearances for Wigan since joining the Latics from Scottish giants Rangers during the 2018 summer transfer window.

Both players could both now make their debuts for the Owls when they make the short trip to Oakwell to face Barnsley on Saturday afternoon.

The Verdict

These do look to be two promising signings for Wednesday, with both players seemingly having points to prove.

Having spent so much time stuck on the sidelines in the past few years, Wickham will surely be determined to enjoy a successful run of games with Wednesday, in order to show he is still capable of performing at a high level of football.

Windass meanwhile, will want to show that he has the ability to compete at the top end of the Championship table, having found himself battling relegation ever since his move to Wigan at the start of last season.

With the duo likely to be upping their game in order to ensure they do that, you feel as though Wednesday are in a good place to benefit from the arrival of these two players.