Sheffield Wednesday manager Steve Bruce has heaped praise on striker Steven Fletcher for the way he has performed in recent weeks.

The 31-year-old has been an important player for Wednesday this season and has been in impressive form since Bruce took charge of the club.

The Scotland striker has five goals in his last six matches in the Championship and has been a key player for the Owls, who are making a late push for the play-off places.

Bruce was quick to praise the player for his contribution to the team.

“I don’t like singling players out for praise because we win and lose as a team but I have to say Steven has been outstanding since I came into the club," Bruce told the club's official website.

“He is the consummate professional, he has led the line fantastically well and given me absolutely everything and that has been reflected in his form."

Fletcher has scored in both of his past two matches but suffered a groin injury in the 4-2 win over Blackburn Rovers at Hillsborough before the international break.

Fletcher had to withdraw from the Scotland squad for the Euro 2020 qualifying matches against Kazakhstan and San Marino this weekend and Bruce is keen to see the striker return to action as soon as possible.

“You know, we want him back out there as soon as we can and his desire is so strong but his fitness situation has to come first,” he added.

The Verdict:

Sheffield Wednesday have been brilliant since Bruce took over at Hillsborough and Fletcher has been instrumental to the team's success in recent weeks.

The Owls are currently unbeaten in their last ten games in the Championship, a run which has seen them climb to within just two points of the play-offs.

Bruce is right that the club have to be careful with the player's fitness, but Wednesday fans will be hoping to see the striker return to action as soon as possible.

The Owls travel to Stoke City in the Championship this weekend and will be looking to continue their momentum with another three points.