Why Barry Bannan thinks he will flourish under Sheffield Wednesday chief Steve Bruce

Bannan has established himself as a fixture in the Owls team since joining the Championship club on a free transfer in August 2015.

But the 29-year-old, a big fans favourite at Hillsborough, believes he has not yet reached his full potential.

"I think I can still get better," Bannan told The Star. "The manager has been there himself as a player and is experienced.

"He will add different things to my game that I have probably not had before and I think I will be a better player working under this manager."

Bannan, a key member of the Wednesday side that qualified for back-to-back play-offs under former boss Carlos Carvalhal, made his 150th appearances in the Owls' goalless draw at Millwall last week.

Describing his time at the club as "amazing", Bannan said: "It is the best time I have had in football.

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"I have loved every minute of it. There have obviously been down points but you get that in your career.

"Most of it has been positive and I have really enjoyed my time here and hopefully there is many more to come."

Bruce is acutely aware of Bannan's qualities.

He said: "Over the years, he has put his stamp on it at Sheffield Wednesday. He is a very, very clever footballer and that is what I have seen.

"He is important to us and has been important to the club for the last few years."

Meanwhile, Wednesday's Under-23s face Sheffield United in the Professional Development League 2 at Bramall Lane tomorrow evening, kick-off 7pm. Tickets are priced at £3 adults and £1 concessions in the Tony Currie stand. Blades claimed the derby Sheffield derby spoils in the reverse fixture, prevailing 3-1 after goals from Paul Coutts (pen), Oliver Greaves and Martin Cranie