Huddersfield Town boss David Wagner is backing Terriers winger Sean Scannell to force his way into contention for a starting role at Burton Albion.

Scannell joined the Brewers on a season-long loan on Friday evening - only hours before their 2-1 win over Birmingham City - and Albion boss Nigel Clough will give the former Crystal Palace man his debut against Cardiff City in their second-round Carabao Cup tie tonight.

Wagner's Huddersfield side have got off to a flying start in their first campaign in the top-flight since 1972 - opening their season with back-to-back wins against Palace and Newcastle United.

This has left 26-year-old Scannell - who made 16 appearances in last season's remarkable promotion campaign - sidelined after the big-money arrivals of Thomas Ince and Steve Mounie.

Wagner has steered Huddersfield to a 100% start in the Premier League
Wagner has steered Huddersfield to a 100% start in the Premier League

But it isn't the end of the road at Huddersfield for the Croydon-born winger - with Wagner hoping that Scannell sees his Burton loan as a chance to impress his boss at his parent club and force his way back into contention at the John Smith's Stadium.

"I had a conversation with Scans and spoke about his situation," Wagner told the Huddersfield Examiner ahead of tonight's match against Rotherham United in the same competition.

"He didn’t play a lot of games last season and I couldn’t guarantee him a lot of minutes in the coming weeks and months.

"I was also not able to say this will take one month, two months or three months, so we thought after so little game time in the last season and, maybe, little game time in front of him in this season, it makes sense that he gets game time in his legs, so that is why we gave him on loan to Burton."

Wagner also revealed that Clough was eager to sign Scannell - witih the Brewers short of forward options after Liam Boyce's season-ending injury sustained in pre-season.

"Burton’s manager was very keen on him but, of course, he has to perform in training and in the games," added Wagner.

Sean Scannell has joined the Brewers on a season-long-loan
Sean Scannell has joined the Brewers on a season-long-loan

"I think Sean has all the qualities and the character to get a spot in the starting XI for Burton and then he will have minutes in his legs.

"I am very happy we have the option, if we need it and if it’s necessary, to call him back in the winter window and, if not, he will play the whole season for Burton and, hopefully, he can show what he has shown in the pre-season.

"He has played a very good pre-season and I think Scanny is in the best condition and best shape he ever was since I worked with him.

"Unfortunately for him, there is a lot of competition on this position, and this is why we thought this is the best for all of us if we give him on loan."