Brian Laws believes new signings James O'Connor and Jimmy Smith will play key roles for the Owls in their Championship campaign this season.O'Connor, 28, has signed a two-year deal after rejecting renewed terms at Burnley, while 21-year-old Chelsea midfielder Smith has signed a six-month loan deal.

Laws told Sheffield Wednesday's official website: "Both O'Connor and Smith fit the bill and tick a lot of boxes, so let's hope they have a massive influence in how we go about things next season."

Laws added: "We lost Glenn Whelan earlier this year, but James will give us that energy that Glenn had in our midfield.

"He's a good age and has got good experience. He's played most of his career in the Championship so I think he's a great acquisition and a winner.

"Jimmy Smith's another who has Championship experience. He's very versatile and can play on the left, right or in central midfield. He's another player with energy, an eye for goal and has a great delivery."

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