Was last night a turning point – not just for Sheffield Wednesday but for Theo Corbeanu, their on-loan international from Wolves too?
A 3-0 hammering of title favourites Sunderland at Hillsborough was just what the doctor ordered after four successive draws had ramped up the pressure on manager Darren Moore.
And it’s no coincidence arguably Wednesday’s finest performance of the campaign came when Corbeanu was included in the starting XI for the first time.
Wolves loanee Theo Corbeanu looks up and running at Sheffield Wednesday
“When he arrived after international duty, I’m not sure a lot of people know but he went down sick. It physically took a lot out of him,” Moore told Examiner Live at full-time, explaining why it has taken the Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee so long to get going in South Yorkshire.
“We have been working with him since he came back. Credit to Theo, we’ve done some incredible work with him in training. Tonight was the night for him.”
You can say that again.
Opening the scoring with his first senior goal in English football – a beautifully taken right-foot shot feathered into the bottom corner –Corbeanu put in a terrific cross for Sheffield Wednesday’s second.
“That performance from him, he wouldn’t have been anywhere near that a month or two months ago,” Moore adds, hailing the 19-year-old’s work rate and development behind the scenes.
“Credit to Theo for the work he has been doing. Credit to him for being patient. We have been waiting for the right time to get him in.
“He gave us a tremendous amount with his ability and flair so I am pleased for him.”
Moore isn’t the only one.
Sheffield Wednesday fans have been crying out for a talismanic presence in attack – someone capable of easing the crushing burden of expectation on Barry Bannan’s 31-year-old shoulders. The Ontario-born Owl appears to have answered their call.
Corbeanu’s coming-of-age performance didn’t just jump-start his season – it may just have sparked Wednesday’s promotion hopes into life too.
Here’s what some Wednesday fans on Twitter thought of the Wolves loanee and Canada international’s performance:
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