Owls fans signed Eagles

Paul Sturrock says Sheffield Wednesday's fans were crucial to the Chris Eagles deal.

After being boosted by an average attendance of over 23,000 last season, Sheffield Wednesday manager Paul Sturrock has plenty to thank the club's fans for, and now it appears they are helping him sign players.

Sturrock admits that the recent loan capture of Manchester United's Chris Eagles was partially due to the massive fan base at Hillsborough.

"Manchester United know what a big club Sheffield Wednesday are," Sturrock told The Star.

"I think the crowd was a feature; Sir Alex said to me he wants this player to play in front of big crowds and see how he handles it.

"So the crowd have benefited us in this as well."

Sturrock has managed to reverse Wednesday's fortunes, leading them into The Championship through last season's League One play-offs.

Now Sturrock wants to give The Owls' fans more to celebrate by getting back to The Premiership, and the Scot is hoping that Eagles can provide the flair to unlock opposition defences.

"Chris is a very direct winger. He's got some of Cristiano Ronaldo's mannerisms. He's very positive and goes at people. We're looking forward to working with him."

Eagles will ply his trade at Hillsborough until the turn of the year and the young winger is hoping for a good start at his new club.

"I have come here aiming to improve the team and get more experience at a big club who hopefully will be pushing for The Premiership," revealed Eagles.

"I hope to settle in quickly and get started."