As the 2016-17 campaign draws to a close, candidates for the Player of the Season will become an interesting hot topic of discussion amongst many fans across the country. 

Spectators of their beloved club will no doubt express their opinions and cast vote for the player they think deserves the crown.

Some players stand head and shoulders above the rest at many football clubs throughout the nation and will quite rightly win the award. However, other clubs have many players who could possibly be titled ‘Player of the Season’, and is too close to call.

Unfortunately for some players, injury will always reduce game time and subsequently, goals, assists and the opportunity to impress. Sheffield Wednesday’s Kieran Lee and Gary Hooper have been subject to this fateful situation this term.

This week, Shoot!‘s Sheffield Wednesday representative Louis Shackshaft takes a look at the Top Five candidates for The Owls’ end of season gong…

Sam Hutchinson

With over thirty appearances this season and currently seven man of the match awards, Hutchinson cannot be ruled out as one of The Owls’ Players of the Season, despite re-occurring injuries.

Hutchinson, a fans favourite, will no doubt receive many votes to win the award.

Gritty and robust performances has earned the Wednesday No.23 the respect he deserves.

When fully fit, he is without question one of Carlos Carvalhal’s first names on the teamsheet. 

Keiren Westwood

The Republic of Ireland shot stopper is recognised as one of the best goalkeepers in the league.

Consistently performing at a high standard since his arrival at Hillsborough in 2014, Westwood has once again proved his worth this season with outstanding displays.

The Owls’ No.1 has made more appearances than any other player in the Wednesday squad and kept 14 clean sheets along the way. 

Fernando Forestieri

The little Argentinean leads the way as Sheffield Wednesday’s top goalscorer with twelve goals.

Forestieri has also chipped in with a handful of assists and has subsequently been crowned with five man of the match awards.

With talent in abundance and his forever threatening ability, it would not be a surprise if Fernando was to sneak the Player of the Season award. 

Ross Wallace

Wallace may be dark horse for the Player of the Season title; however, The Owls winger has currently provided seven assists and scored five goals this season.

Four of Wallace goals have been sensational and it can’t be denied these strikes have played a pivotal part in Sheffield Wednesday’s campaign.

Ross is somewhat an unsung hero at S6, despite ranking third amongst The Owls’ squad in terms of goals and assists combined. 

Tom Lees

Since Lees arrival to Hillsborough, he has cemented his place in the Wednesday first eleven on a regular basis and at only 26 years of age, is renowned as one of the best defenders in the Championship.

Last ditch tackles and dogged defensive displays have played a huge part in Sheffield Wednesdays clean sheet success this season, likewise to the previous campaign.

Lees may find himself as an outsider for the award, but he is likely to gain many votes from the Wednesday faithful.