Sheffield United star says former Everton defender Phil Jagielka has been his greatest influence

Speaking ahead of tonight’s game against Jagielka’s former club, United’s final home match of the Premier League season, O’Connell explained how his team mate has been a huge influence behind the scenes despite making only 10 appearances this term.

“I’m a massive fan of Jags,” the defender said. “He’s helped me more than any other player in my career in such a short space of time.

“Off the pitch, we go for dinner together and I pepper him with questions about different stuff and I’m trying to soak up as much as I can from him.

“As soon as I heard we were signing Jags, I was over the moon. I’ve watched him all his career and he’s had an unbelievable one. He’s a top man off the pitch and I’ve learned so much from him.”

Jagielka, who turns 38 next month, spent 12 years at Goodison Park after leaving Bramall Lane, where he progressed through United’s youth system, in 2007. Capped 40 times by England, he has represented his country at both the World Cup and European Championships.

United began preparing for the visit of Carlo Ancelotti’s side in eight place, but having been criticised by Chris Wilder for their performance during Thursday’s defeat by Leicester City.

Conceding the manager was right to lambast last week’s display - “He’s always been straight and it wasn’t good enough” - O’Connell, a lifelong Liverpool supporter, is looking forward to setting the record straight against their arch-rivals.

“I didn’t really watch Liverpool much as a kid because mum had four boys and couldn’t afford the tickets,” he said. “So it was really a case of watching them on television. I'm still a Red though."

Drawing comparisons between Sheffield and his home city, O’Connell added: “They’re both working class, down to earth humble places. Obviously Liverpool is a two club city as well, like here.

“If Sheffield Wednesday get promoted, it would be some derby in the Premier League that’s for sure.”

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