Joao helped Sheffield Wednesday to a 3-0 win at the City Ground on Boxing Day.
Could Lucas Joao become one of the unexpected beneficiaries of Carlos Carvalhal’s departure as manager of Sheffield Wednesday?
Joao was handed only his second start of the season as Wednesday travelled to Nottingham Forest in their first game without Carvalhal – the man who brought the Portuguese striker to Hillsborough 18 months ago – on Boxing Day.
Lined up in an unfamiliar inside forward’s role, the 24-year-old justified Lee Bullen’s decision to bring him in from the cold, as he turned in an impressive display which he capped with the final goal in 3-0 win for the Owls.
And Wednesday fans are hoping he can recapture his early form for them in the campaign’s second half.
Goals from Adam Reach and Jordan Rhodes (penalty) had Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 up before Joao’s strike at the City Ground, which closely followed another attempt of his which was tipped on to the crossbar by Forest keeper Jordan Smith.
It ensured the Owls’ first win in little under two months and seventh in a row against the Reds.
Bullen told reporters afterwards he has been asked to take the reins until 1st January, and potentially the FA Cup trip to Carlisle United the following Saturday.
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