Is Alex Hunt next to break into Sheffield Wednesday’s first team, after Jos Luhukay’s academy vow?

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Luhukay has been a regular watcher of Sheffield Wednesday’s Under-18s in recent months.

In his three-month spell as Sheffield Wednesday manager Jos Luhukay has already handed debuts to three Owls Under-23 players – Sean Clare, Jordan Thorniley and Frederik Nielsen – with another three – Cameron Dawson, Connor O’Grady and Jack Stobbs – allowed to add to the experience they gained under Carlos Carvalhal.

But could Alex Hunt be next in line for a first team bow, after Luhukay vowed at a press conference on Thursday to consider more of those – as well as some from Wednesday’s Under-18 squad – as he puts together a squad for next season?

“We look to our Under-23s but also to our Under-18s in pre-season, it’s a new start and young players will be given a chance,” he said via Sheffield Wednesday’s official Facebook page.

The Dutchman has been a regular watcher of the latter age group throughout his brief reign, as revealed by academy boss Steven Haslam during an appearance on Sheffield Live TV in March.

And Hunt – who signed his first professional contract in February and was this week nominated for the LFE Championship Apprentice of the Year award, alongside Fulham regular Ryan Sessegnon and Reading’s England Under-18 striker Danny Loader – is one player likely to have caught the eye.

Discussing the Owls’ best academy talents, Haslam hinted that Hunt – a central midfielder – is ready to increase his exposure. “Right through his schoolboy and academy programme Alex was the smallest in his group. But he was technically the best,” said the 38-year-old, a former Middlewood Road graduate himself.

“In small, tight playing areas he was outstanding. On bigger areas, he had less impact. We took that into consideration.

“We played Alex down the age groups so that he was playing with lads physically similar to him.

“He’s put on a growth spurt in the last 18 months and his technical qualities are now coming to the fore.”

Wednesday look certain to send Jacob Butterfield back to Derby this summer, while Clare – another player in Hunt’s position – is yet sign the contract offered to him weeks ago, and could leave without the Owls’ blessing this summer – creating a pathway, perhaps, for their 17-year-old colleague.