'Lacked quality' - James Morrison on defeat and why he rewarded recalled West Brom defender

It was a rare start for Gilchrist, 22, who has been sidelined by James Morrison since the draw against Southampton on March 11.

Gilchrist, predominantly a right-back having arrived from Chelsea last summer, impressed at centre-back last time out but lost his place to Nat Phillips.

“It was just to give Alfie a go,” Morrison said.

“He did well against Southampton. He'd been training really well, so I rewarded him for that.”

Gilchrist and colleagues were unable to prevent the Owls’ deserved win.

Midfielder Jayson Molumby was a key miss after picking up a hamstring strain in training on Wednesday.

New permanent boss Morrison wanted to sign off for the season 11 games unbeaten but his side were 2-0 down at the break.

He introduced Karlan Grant, Daryl Dike and Tammer Bany at half-time.

“We huffed and puffed,” Morrison felt. “We got around their box quite a few times, but we just didn't have the qualities there.

“We got the goal through a miskick, a wide free-kick, and it landed in the box.

“Then we had that chance with Daryl. I don't know why he hasn't gone down. He was too honest, really. Or he could have just laid it off.

“We could have had a good chance and got the momentum again. But I can't take anything away from Sheffield Wednesday, because I thought they were worthy winners there.”

The head coach said: “It was loud to get instructions on. We tried to tweak a few things with the personnel.

“I felt like we needed to try at half-time to get some intensity on the pitch, try to get pressure higher up, and get some ball carriers. We didn't value the ball today at all. Sometimes it was like hot potato.”