The left-back, signed from Bradford City as their player of the year, did not enjoy the best of starts to the season with injuries and lack of form.
Since December though, he has arguably been one of the most improved performers in the team.
But the Barnsley-born defender thinks that this season has not lived up to his personal expectations and there is room for improvement.
He told Footymad: "It’s been a frustrating season for me personally. I have had games when I think I could have played better and I was not happy with myself.
"I have also had little injuries throughout the campaign but I am hoping we get promoted so I can put everything behind me and we can be flying next year."
As for Heckingbottom's verdict for the Owls' star of the current campaign, three players stand out.
"Lee Bullen has been consistent, so has JP McGovern but Glenn Whelan is a big favourite of mine," he said. "I really enjoy playing with Glenn because he gives 100per cent and it always shows but those three players have stood out for me."
Bristol City come to Hillsborough as Wednesday finish the regular season at home on Saturday and the former Norwich and Darlington star says it will be a different team to that which The Owls thrashed 4-1 at Ashton Gate.
"They will be a totally different side," he admits. "They were in a bad run themselves at the time while we were in the middle of a good run. They have picked right up from there and up until the Doncaster game, they had a good chance of getting into the play-offs but they will be desperate for three points to end their season on a high but we have to be professional, play ourselves right and hopefully finish fourth."
Meanwhile, potential play-off rivals Hartlepool parted company with their manager Neale Cooper last night as United need to win on the final day at Bournemouth on Saturday in a winner-takes-all clash.