Owls in striker crisis

Sheffield Wednesday could be facing a striker crisis after manager Paul Sturrock revealed the club would not be able to bring any new faces in on loan.

Sturrock is likely to lose the services of Steve MacLean for at least a week after he picked up a knee injury.

Although the damage is not thought to be serious, the former Rangers man will almost certainly miss Saturday's game against Plymouth, meaning the Owls chief has no senior forwards available.

Sturrock had been hoping to bring in another striker on a short-term loan deal but has been told that will not be possible with the club already over budget.

MacLean will receive the results of the scan on his injured knee later on Tuesday and Sturrock's only hope now is that the 23-year-old will make a miraculous recovery in time to be fit for the weekend.

"I've been told we're over budget and there is no money available for loans," Sturrock told the club's official website.

"It would take a huge leap of faith for Steven to be fit for Saturday, although I'm very hopeful the scan will show only severe bruising."