Sheffield Wednesday backed to offload midfielder - he's 'back of the queue' | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit has given his verdict on whether midfielder Jarvis Thornton should be sent out on loan.

The summer transfer window may now be closed in the EFL, but there could still be one further departure from Sheffield Wednesday.

It has been a positive start to the season for Wednesday as they begin a new era in League One under new owner David Storch, but one player may be frustrated with his lack of game time so far this campaign.

Jarvis Thornton could be set for Sheffield Wednesday exit amid National League talk

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As they rebuilt their squad, Wednesday brought in a total of 18 new signings this summer, including the likes of Joe Lumley, Reece James, Billy Mitchell, Callum Slattery, Barry Bannan, Davis Keillor-Dunn, Louie Barry and Mason Burstow.

While they were expected to take time to gel, the Owls' new-look team are one of the early front-runners in League One, and they currently sit second in the table after picking up 14 points from their first seven league games, albeit back-to-back goalless draws against Wigan Athletic and Stockport County prior to the international break stalled their momentum.

With Wednesday now possessing plenty of strength in depth, opportunities for some of the youngsters who featured regularly in the Championship last season have been limited, including midfielder Jarvis Thornton.

Thornton made 27 appearances for the Owls in the previous campaign, with 16 of those coming from the start, but his game time has been much more restricted this season, with the 20-year-old making just two substitute appearances in the league, and he has been left out of the matchday squad altogether for the last four games.

With non-league clubs still able to do business, Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen confirmed that the club are "considering" sending Thornton out on loan in order to "get some game practice", revealing that his "strong central midfield" options have made it tougher for him to give the youngster many minutes.

Sheffield Wednesday fan verdict issued on potential Jarvis Thornton departure

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When asked if Thornton should be loaned out, FLW's Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit Patrick McKenna questioned whether the midfielder is at the level required for League One, and he insisted that his temporary exit would be beneficial for all parties.

"I think, ultimately, it would be a good decision to loan out Jarvis Thornton," Patrick told FLW.

"I'm still not convinced that he is good enough, even for League One.

"He's always going to be at the back of the queue for midfielders.

"Although I'm very grateful to him for being there for us last season, I just don't think he really has what it takes to push on at League One level.

"I think it's best for him and his career if he gets out.

"It gets him regular football, which he isn't getting now and won't be getting this season.

"Even if he doesn't come back to us, it's just better for him to get regular football, that's what every footballer needs to be doing.

"Ultimately, I think it is the right choice for the player and the club."

Sheffield Wednesday must make Jarvis Thornton call after Henrik Pedersen admission

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After their off-field issues left them with a threadbare squad, Wednesday were forced to introduce a number of academy products into the first team, and Thornton performed admirably in the Championship last season in incredibly difficult circumstances.

However, when discussing Thornton's situation, Pedersen admitted that the Owls need to "increase the level" this season as they look to achieve promotion at the first attempt, which suggests the Dane may have reservations about whether the midfielder is good enough for League One.

With that in mind, a loan move to the National League could be the best option for Thornton, and, given that the standard of the fifth tier has increased significantly in recent years, it would certainly give Wednesday a better indication of whether he is ready for senior football.