SIMON GRAYSON can’t wait for another taste of big-match atmosphere at the Galpharm.

Town’s manager really enjoyed the recent showdown with League I leaders Charlton, who were beaten 1-0 by Jordan Rhodes’ penalty.

And he’d be more than satisfied with the same scoreline in this lunchtime’s clash with promotion rivals Sheffield Wednesday.

Victory for Grayson’s side in a game which kicks-off at 12.30 means they will leapfrog the Owls and go third on goal difference, putting pressure on second-placed Sheffield United ahead of their 3.00 home showdown with Bournemouth, Town’s hosts on Monday.

A win for Wednesday would give them a six-point advantage over Town and put them into the automatic promotion places, at least until the final whistle at Bramall Lane (United are currently five points ahead of Town and two in front of their steel city rivals).

“It might not be season-defining, because there are still five games to go afterwards, but the result will be very significant, and by allowing them to go six points clear of us, we would certainly make things difficult as far as automatic promotion is concerned,” said Grayson, a former Wednesday loan player.

“Even without the timing of the game at a key stage of the season and the league positions of both sides, it would be a great derby, with two big clubs going head to head.”

The attendance looks set to top the season’s-best so far of 15,536 for the February 14 showdown with Sheffield United which proved to be Lee Clark’s last match at the helm.

“It will be fantastic occasion and a big crowd,” continued Grayson.

“Wednesday have a fanatical following, and our fans will be in buoyant mood after Tuesday’s win.

“I know from when I’ve been here with Blackpool and Leeds what a great atmosphere can be generated at this stadium, and big away followings seem to bring the best out of Town fans, who have a big part to play.”

Wednesday have also had a change of manager since the sides fought out a memorable 4-4 draw at Hillsborough in December, with Dave Jones replacing Gary Megson at the helm.

“It was an amazing match, and the pattern of the scoring (2-0 to Town, 4-2 to Wednesday) illustrates the kind of season we have had,” said Grayson.

“We’ve been in good positions to win games and not done it, and sometimes been behind and hit back.

“That match also shows that you have to keep going right to the end of every game and it’s an attitude we try to instil into the players.”

Jordan Rhodes grabbed all four goals for Town at Hillsborough, and Grayson was more than happy to see him claim another hat trick in Tuesday’s 3-1 win at Leyton Orient.

“Bouncing back from our defeat at Carlisle last Saturday was vitally important both psychologically and in terms of keeping us close to sides above us,” added Grayson.

“It was our game in hand and it was a must-win situation.

“I know there were suggestions that the first was an own goal, but Jordan has got the ball at home on his mantelpiece, so try to get it off him!”

It’s now 38 goals for the season for the 22-year-old hot shot, who was catching Grayson’s eye when he was manager of Leeds.

“Obviously everyone on the outside has been aware of Jordan for a while, even if he is outside the price bracket of most,” smiled the Galpharm boss.

“He’s a joy to manage, and in training, some of his work, whether in small-sided games or crossing and finishing exercises, is just so natural looking.

“And he’s such a willing learner. He wants to get better and he will do, and while he has this placid persona about him, there’s a ruthless determination to be as good as possible.

“He has a natural instinct for finishing, and he’s happy to get in among the bodies when the ball is in the penalty box, and if you don’t do that, you don’t get as many goals.

“Jordan knows there are things he has to work on to get to the very highest level, but he’s willing to do that.”