Sheffield Wednesday's '˜Mr Versatile' vows to do his best wherever he is needed

Some footballers hate being handed the 'Mr Versatile' tag.
Thorniley has stood out this seasonThorniley has stood out this season
Thorniley has stood out this season

Jordan Thorniley, though, is happy to play wherever he is required for the Owls cause.

The former Everton trainee has been deployed at centre half, left back and wing back since making his Wednesday debut last January.

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His ability to fill in and perform a number of different roles has helped Thorniley establish himself as a key member of the Owls squad.

Thorniley, primarily a central defender, views it as a strength rather than a weakness to be able to play in a variety of positions.

He said: "I play wherever I am told to play. If I have to play left-back, left wing back or centre half, I will do it to the best of my ability.

"I know I'm a centre-half but if the gaffer wants me to do a job in another position I will do my best for the team and try to contribute as best as I can.

Thorniley has stood out this seasonThorniley has stood out this season
Thorniley has stood out this season
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"I know I'm not the most attacking player but if I can back it up, keep possession and keep the ball in the opponents half I feel that's my job."

Despite his meteoric rise to prominence, the 21-year-old remains relatively inexperienced at Championship level. Thorniley has made just 15 league starts and five substitute appearances in the second-tier.

"Whether you are old or young, it doesn't matter," stressed Thorniley. "You are there to do a job.

Jordan Thorniley has played a number of different positions in his Sheffield Wednesday careerJordan Thorniley has played a number of different positions in his Sheffield Wednesday career
Jordan Thorniley has played a number of different positions in his Sheffield Wednesday career
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"It doesn't matter about experience. You are only going to get that by playing games. I think I have to stick at what I'm doing and keep putting performances in."

Thorniley is among a crop of talented Wednesday academy graduates who have acquitted themselves well in senior football. Matt Penney, Ash Baker, Connor Kirby and Fraser Preston have also been given first-team opportunities by Jos Luhukay.

When quizzed on what it means to him to be part of the next generation, Thorniley said: "I don't really think about it to be honest. I just go out there and do my job.

"It's my job at the end of the day. I've got to play well. People are paying money to come and watch us so all I can do is try my best, do what I can for the team and hopefully they are happy."

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