MANAGER Nigel Adkins insists Carling Cup progress is essential for his team tonight.

But he acknowledges that Sheffield Wednesday will be a tough test for his own injury-hit squad.

"They may be in League One, but they have a squad full of players with Championship experience," Adkins insisted.

"We beat them here in a friendly which was very competitive and helped both teams prepare for a good start to the season."

The United boss believes his side can bounce back from the 2-0 defeat at Loftus Road where he felt they did well against an exceptionally good QPR team.

"People might have expected us to fold in the second half – and sometimes last season we might have," he said.

"But we didn't and I think the players deserve credit for that.

"We have played some good football this season and we have to stay positive.

"The league is our priority, but the Carling Cup is important to us.

"We reached the fourth round last year for a tie with Manchester City.

"We want to get into the third round again this year and have a chance of getting that big tie we are all looking for which helps this club keep moving in the right direction."