Whelan Bags Award

Wednesday midfielder Glenn Whelan has been the first player to be rewarded for his fine form this term with the Wise Old Owls Club's player-of-the-year award.

The Irish youngster may have felt his future in football lay elsewhere after former boss Paul Sturrock placed him on the transfer list at the start of the Owls' rollercoaster campaign.

But Whelan has proved his critics wrong to go on and become a star performer for the club this season and be a key part in Brian Laws' rejuvinated Wednesday side.

'It's a privilege. Thanks a lot to those who voted for me; to those who didn't, I'm sorry!' Whelan told the 160 crowd at Hillsborough's Riverside Suite on Wednesday.

And Owls boss Brian Laws commented: 'You've picked the right player, for me. I think Glenn has been outstanding. I can only go on what I've seen since I've been in charge of the club: he's been the most consistent player.

'I can't believe for a minute he was on the transfer list; he's been inspirational in midfield, scored goals and shown energy. He's young so he can only get better. You did well with your decision; he's top drawer.'

The Dublin-born midfielder has notched up 108 appearances for the club since he arrived from Manchester City in July 2004, notching up ten goals - eight of which have come this season for the youngster.

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