Wes Burns, Ipswich Town winger, has identified one of the major components of their promotion credentials, which will serve as a warning to Sheffield Wednesday at Portman Road this afternoon.
The Tractor Boys were on the wrong end of late drama last weekend, losing late against Cardiff City, but they have made a practice of substituting and scoring in recent weeks, with key late goals also providing points. Young winger Omari Hutchinson beat Ike Ugbo to last month’s player of the season award, thanks almost entirely to game-changing efforts from the bench.
Pre-match, Owls defender Dominic Iorfa emphasized the need of Wednesday staying focused throughout the game, given Ipswich’s flair for theatrics. And it’s a theme shared by Wes Burns, who has been one of the Blues players used off the bench to good effect.
“It’s one of our massive things here really, people coming off the bench to influence the outcome of games,” that’s what he stated. “We’ve said it before, but I believe we have the best-prepared group in the Championship, with the most goals off the bench and the most impact from substitutes this season.
“It’s a huge deal for us; if you’re not in the starting lineup, don’t complain. There are no egos here, and everyone, starters or substitutes, understands that three points are at risk, and everyone must buy into it.
“If you’re coming off the bench, you need to have an impact because the guys put in so much effort for 65 minutes or so, and the least you can do is give it your all for the 25 minutes or so you’ll be on the pitch. “You’re about to make a difference.”
