Sheffield Wednesday fans have been rocked by the news that Shea Charles has been recalled by Southampton.

The Northern Ireland international has made a big impression at Hillsborough following his loan move from the Premier League outfit at the start of the season.

The 21-year-old, whose brother Pierce is also at the club, has become a key member of Dany Rohl's squad featuring 23 times for the Championship hopefuls so far this season.

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Charles' future is up in the air for the time being following his reported recall by the Saints late on Wednesday evening. Club owner Dejphon Chansiri confirmed Owls fans worst fears when he confirmed at a fan forum that Southampton had exercised their option to take Charles back to St Mary’s.

Speaking earlier in the evening Chansiri told fans in attendance: “It is out of our control. I mentioned at the beginning my opinion, he is not ready for the Premier League. Southampton in this situation he cannot help, Southampton need a better player than this... let’s see. If they do that, maybe we do something. Let’s see. Someone damage us then we can damage them as well, let’s see.”

Wednesday currently sit in 10th place in the table, four points off the play-off places but fans feel the loss of Charles will derail their season.

@JonathanBilling pointed the finger of blame at the club's ownership when posting on 'X': "Gutted that Shea Charles has been recalled. He’s pivotal to success for @swfc this season. Two days ago we were told he was staying and then yesterday leaving. Looking forward to hearing some truth from Danny Rohl as don’t believe a word Chansiri says. We need a new owner now!"

@joshbowers2312 has similar views posting: "If there were any hopes of getting something out of this season, that hope was Shea Charles. I can’t help but think that Chansiri’s comment pushed it over the line."

Southampton fan @kasimuts has sympathy for the Wednesday support saying: "Have high hopes about Shea Charles for next season so can see why the club would want to bring him in and get him involved early. Feel bad for Wednesday fans tho knowing he was a key asset for them if they wanted any hopes of achieving play offs. Let’s hope this isn’t regretful."

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The Owls fans however have been left devastated by the news. @tommyuto posted: "He is a brilliant player who his absence alone will destroy our season. Devastated. Worth so much to whatever side he finishes the season with and the future."

@JordanOwl28 posted on 'X': "I don’t think iv (sic) loved a loan player as much as I love Shea Charles, Southampton have a Gem."

@harvey_walters_ agreed posting: "Sir Shea Charles Best player we’ve had down at Hillsborough in a hot minute, he’s going to be some player." A sad @_becky92 said: "Devastated Shea Charles has been recalled. Never fall in love with a loan player."

There is a glimmer of hope for Wednesday though as reports on Thursday morning suggest Charles may still be available for their next two games against Leeds United and Bristol City due to the seven-day ruling.

And there are suggestions that the player could even return to Hillsborough on another loan, although several clubs including the Owls city rivals Sheffield United, are rumoured to be keen on landing the midfielder.

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