James O'Connor will make his debut for Sheffield Wednesday against former club Burnley on the opening day of the Championship season.O'Connor, released from Turf Moor in the summer, will line-up in midfield for the Owls at Hillsborough, but fellow new signing Jimmy Smith and striker Francis Jeffers will miss out.

Jeffers, who missed a large chunk of last season due to a serious ankle injury, and Smith, signed from Chelsea on loan until January, are expected to make their first appearances against Rotherham in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.

Manager Brian Laws must decide who to pair in attack, but fit-again Akpo Sodje and Deon Burton are favourites to start against Burnley.

Defender Frank Simek has not yet returned to full fitness following an ankle operation and Peter Gilbert sits out the last game of a three-match ban carried over from last season.

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