'Why I signed' - George Byers hails Sheffield Wednesday support ahead of play-off campaign

Sheffield Wednesday's George Byers has hailed the impact of the Hillsborough atmosphere that helped his side secure an emphatic 4-1 win over Portsmouth to seal a spot in the League One play-offs.

Pompey took the lead on four minutes through George Hirst before goals from Lee Gregory, Saido Berahino, Jordan Storey and Byers saw Wednesday run rampant at a raucous Hillsborough.

The result means that Wednesday will face Sunderland in the play-off semi finals next Friday in a two legged tie with a trip to Wembley on the line. And when asked about the final day atmosphere inside Hillsborough, Byers could barely contain his enthusiasm.

"This is why I signed for the club," explained Byers. "I knew it was a massive club and I want to experience atmospheres like this. This is why you play football, to play in front of big crowds and big occasions.

"The atmosphere was electric today and it only helps your performance. It gets you pumped up. It should be anywhere near League One, but we're here and we've got a job to do."

Hirst's early goal saw Darren Moore's Wednesday endure a nervy start to the final day proceedings. A defeat against Portsmouth could have seen Byers' side fall out of the play-offs entirely.

Thankfully, however, they responded quickly and went on to win the game in impressive fashion with Byers nodding home late to wrap up all three points.

"It's a great feeling," said Byers following the game. "We knew what we needed to do today to get the win. We didn't get off to the best of starts but I always have confidence in this team that we can comeback, especially at home against these fans we can comeback and get the win.

"We just stayed controlled and focussed. We stuck to the game plan and we know if we do that it'll