Bolton midfielder O'Brien and Wigan's teenage goalkeeper Nicholls will stay at Hillsborough until the end of the season. O'Brien could make manager Gary Megson's starting line-up after teaming back up with the former Bolton boss but goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell, who made his first appearance of the season last week, is expected to retain his place in the absence of Nicky Weaver (groin).
Midfielder Isaiah Osbourne, on loan from Aston Villa, should start again despite being forced off at Southampton with a hamstring strain.
Defender Lewis Buxton returned to the bench as an unused substitute last Saturday following a long-term groin injury and is pushing for a return to the starting line-up as the Owls look to halt a run of three straight defeats.
Source: PA
