Owl Palmer right-back in the thick of it

Liam Palmer will play anywhere for Sheffield Wednesday, as he attempts to nail down a starting place with the Owls.
Sheffield Wednesday v Glasgow Rangers...Owls Liam PalmerSheffield Wednesday v Glasgow Rangers...Owls Liam Palmer
Sheffield Wednesday v Glasgow Rangers...Owls Liam Palmer

Palmer, ordinarily a midfielder, has been featuring at right-back for Wednesday in pre-season, including this week’s high profile friendly with Glasgow Rangers.

The Worksop born professional footballer told the Guardian he’s delighted to be back at Hillsborough after spending much of last season on loan at Tranmere, and he desperately wants to be involved in the season opener at Queens Park Rangers next Saturday.

“It’s a massive privilege to make it at any level of football, never mind a club with the size of support Wednesday get,” he said.

“It’s humbling every time you get the chance to play, it’s a dream come true just being around the club.”

Palmer has been pushed into the right-back spot by boss Dave Jones, in the light of injuries to other full-backs, but the 21-year-old has no qualms about his position on the pitch.

“It would be a great achievement to be involved in the first game, and there’s a few injuries at right-back so I’m hoping I can get a place.”

“I’m not a stranger to right-back, I’ve played there a handful of times, and I had a brief chat with the manager and he wanted me to get used to playing there.”

“If that’s where he sees my future I’ve got to be ready to learn and progress – I’ve always said as long as I’m playing I’m happy, no matter where it is.”

Palmer has been enjoying the Owls’ summer preparations for the upcoming Championsip season, including a trip to Portugal.

The former Valley School student said: “Pre-season has been great.”

“We had a good week in Portugal, training in the heat – although it was just as hot here in the UK – and we had a few games out there, it was nice to be involved.”

“I think it helps you to bond as a team, you have a couple of training sessions a day but there’s time for golf, you spend time with the lads and sit down to eat together.”

“We had a tough first week and there was some running in Portugal, but thankfully the balls have been out since day one so we could get used to our touch.”

Another highlight of the summer for the Owls was their friendly with Rangers this week, when almost 5,000 visiting supporters made the trip.

Palmer, himself a Scottish Under 21 international, said the atmosphere created by the 16,000 in attendance had an impact on the game.

“Rangers brought fantastic support, they filled the away end and sang from start to finish.”

“The noise from them and the Wednesday fans made the game a lot better, it raised the tempo and every time you looked up you could see the fans bouncing.”

“Everyone is aware of how passionate the Scottish fans are and I think you could hear the noise coming through on Sky Sports News updates.”

With the competitive season almost upon us, Palmer and the Owls have been working on game specific tactics in training, and he says they’re ready to go.

“Hopefully we get through our last friendly okay, and then we’ve just one week left.”

“We’ve done a bit of shape, we’re working on specifics, we’re all fit and raring to go.”

“I can’t wait.”