Owls looking at France but is this the right area?

Sheffield Wednesday announced yesterday through their official website, www.swfc.co.uk that 28-year-old Ryan France would be joining the club for a trial this week with a view to a deal if he is able to impress.

France was released by Hull City at the end of last season having played in all four divisions for the club, making over 100 1^st team appearances.

Ryan is Sheffield born and began his career in earnest at nearby Alfreton Town whilst also studying Sport and Exercise Science at University.

Ryan is a versatile player who is able to fit into a variety of positions and his former manager Phil Brown paid recognition to his professionalism when the player's 6-year spell at the KC Stadium came to an end.

He suffered a serious ligament injury to his left knee in 2007 but made his return in 2008 and he certainly has the pedigree to perform well in the Championship but is he really the kind of player that the Owls need to strengthen their squad at this stage.

France's preferred position is the right side of midfield, the type of player that will maintain the shape of the side and also provide good crosses but is perhaps not the type of player to beat defenders with pace or dribbling ability.

Wednesday usually prefer Jermaine Johnson in that position and are not short of other alternatives with the likes of Michael Gray and Marcus Tudgay putting in fine displays on the right last season.

France also has experience of playing at full-back but again the Owls have Frank Simek preparing to make his return from injury if he can come through pre-season unscathed and have recently added Lewis Buxton to their ranks.

As a free-agent it is worth pointing out that Wednesday do not have anything to lose by taking a good look at what France has to offer but with a tight wage bill to work to it could be argued that other areas of the squad need to be strengthened as a priority.