Barry Bannan has insisted the return of a number of Sheffield Wednesday’s key players, particularly Kieran Lee, has been crucial to the club’s recent run of form, reports @swfc.

Like Lee, Gary Hooper and Tom Lees have returned in recent weeks, coinciding with Carlos Carvalhal’s side winning five consecutive matches and moving within three-points of securing a Play-Off place.

Since Lees returned to the starting 11, Wednesday have kept two clean sheets, while Hooper grabbed the headlines last weekend by scoring in the Owls’ 2-1 victory over Derby County.

However, Bannan has singled out his fellow midfielder, Lee, for praise, he said: "Getting players back has certainly helped us to go on this unbelievable run. It has been a big bonus for us.

“Kieran Lee is a massive player for us, you sometimes think there are two of him on the pitch because he's everywhere.”

Carvalhal’s side are currently five-points clear of seventh-placed Leeds United, and with just two fixtures of the season remaining, victory over Ipswich Town this weekend will secure Wednesday’s place in the Play-Offs.

Following this weekend, Wednesday face Play-Off rivals Fulham, in what could be a dress rehearsal for May’s competition for the Premier League.

Wednesday fans… How important are your club’s returning players? Let us know in the comments!