Mick McCarthy has challenged his players to kick on from the progress made this season when the new campaign gets underway in August. 

Town bring the curtain down on the 2013/14 season with a home match against Sheffield Wednesday in front of what will be one of the biggest gates of the season.  A win could see Blues finish in eighth, the highest final position in six years.   

“While we are disappointed that we have not made the Play-Offs and there is real frustration there because I felt we could have achieved that, that is a good indication of the progress we have made this season,” Mick says in his column in Saturday’s matchday programme.  

“It’s been a big turnaround and the players deserve fantastic credit for that. I want to congratulate them for the way they have played this season and the way they have conducted themselves as well. 

“We don’t have the biggest squad in the Championship but we have a squad of good players with a good attitude. They have given the fans a season to be proud of and deserve the plaudits they have been getting. 

"The challenge now is to continue to move forward next season and we have the nucleus of the squad to do that.” 

Town: David McGoldrick is a long term absentee for Town as he recovers from a knee ligament and cartilage injury. Paul Anderson, Luke Hyam and Cole Skuse all miss out but Anthony Wordsworth is back.  

Sheff Wed: Sam Hutchinson is back from suspension while Rafael Floro and Anthony Gardner are long-term injury absentees for the Owls.

Town - 14th 

Sheff Wed – 18th

Town - 10th

Sheff Wed – 16th

Paul Anderson gave Blues an early lead but it lasted only 60 seconds before Wednesday equalised when the two clubs met at Hillsborough in October. Michail Antonio was on target for the Owls and the honours finished even over the 90 minutes. 

Referee: Carl Boyeson 

Assistants: Paul Harris and Stephen Rubery   

Fourth official: Gavin Muge