Sheffield Wednesday: Steve Howard backs Owls to survive

Sheffield Wednesday striker Steve Howard is confident the Owls can retain their Championship status.

The 36-year-old joined the club from Hartlepool last week and made his debut in Monday's 1-1 draw with Bristol City.

The Owls are currently 21st in the table, above the relegation zone on goal difference only.

"Without a shadow of a doubt, we'll be fine if we keep playing the way we have the last two games," Howard told BBC Radio Sheffield.

"There's a great set of lads here and everyone is in there fighting together.

"We played some good stuff against Bristol City and it almost felt like a loss in the end."

Sam Baldock's stoppage-time equaliser prevented Dave Jones' side from recording back-to-back wins over the Easter period, having beaten local rivals Barnsley last Friday.

Before his loan move to Hillsborough, Howard had endured a difficult campaign with Pools.

The former Luton, Derby and Leicester man rejoined the club where he started his Football League career last summer, but managed just three goals in 36 matches for the League One strugglers.

"It's been a grind at Hartlepool, to be honest. The lack of resources and everything else was hard to take," he added.

"It's one of those situations where I've gone back and I've maybe gone back a bit soon.

"It hasn't happened for them this season and this was an opportunity that I couldn't turn down.

"I said to Dave Jones I was going to enjoy myself and play with a smile on my face, which is something I haven't done in a while."

Wednesday next face fellow strugglers Blackburn at home on Saturday.