Sheffield Wednesday boss Garry Monk offers Keiren Westwood future update and weighs up keeper conundrum
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The Owls make the trip to Walsall this weekend for the curtain-raiser of a season that will see both keepers attempt to channel the friendly rivalry they share scrapping it out for the number one spot.
“I’ve got a difficult decision to make about the two of them,” Monk told The Star.
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Hide Ad“It’s a decision I have to make now for this game but it’s not one that is set for the whole season, it’s so competitive and so tight between the two of them. It’s quite exciting, I’ve not been in that situation before.
“I’m enjoying it, I’m enjoying watching that battle and the camaraderie they share. As much as they are competing against one another they are pushing each other on. And that’s the right environment to have.”
One man not in contention is veteran Keiren Westwood, who recently returned to training with the club’s under-23s after a sustained period away from Middlewood Road.
The 35-year-old has not played for Wednesday at any level since last November and reports elsewhere linked him with a move to Championship rivals Blackburn last month.
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Hide AdMonk denied any firm approach from the Lancashire side and describing Westwood’s immediate future as an ‘ongoing situation’, said that he has fielded no approaches for the former Republic of Ireland international.
Asked whether there is any way Westwood could claw his way back into his thinking, the Owls boss said: “I’m experienced enough to know you can never say never on anything, but as it stands right now Cammy and Joe, I want to give those two the opportunity, they’re the future of the club.
“They’ve both got improvement to go but I think both of them will be really excellent keepers. That’s what I believe about those two.
“I’ve worked with a number of keepers now and Darryl has worked with enough keepers to know where they’re at.”
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Hide AdWith Wildsmith returning from injury, it was Dawson that Monk initially plumped for as Westwood’s replacement before the two swapped places following football’s return from the coronavirus suspension. It’s a battle the Wednesday boss is looking forward to watching for years to come.
He said: “Of course they’ve got a way to go but it’s quite unique in how lucky we are to have two keepers of those ages of that experience and that potential quality to come at this football club.
“That might be a problem further down the line, but right now the two of them understand what they’re doing and we’re very, very pleased with them. I want to give them the opportunity. The key is to give young people the opportunity.
“I want to clear the way to make sure those two have the opportunity. They can be top keepers and both have the ability and I want them to see that.”