Individual end-of-season reports: James O'Connor

Last updated : 09 June 2009 By C. Morris

If football is often described as a game of two halves then it is fair to say that James O'Connor has had a season of two halves.

The Irishman joined the Owls last summer having left Burnley to add some defensive midfield stability in front of the back four by giving the team some shape and stability in the centre of the park.

Up until around the turn of the New Year O'Connor managed to do this with some assurance, quietly going about his work with little fuss but no shortage of effect.

His performance in the Sheffield derby at Hillsborough epitomised his early season form, allowing the opposition little time on the ball, winning back possession and keeping things simple.

In the 2nd half of the season however he seemed to lose his way somewhat and was often caught in possession, unable to properly support the defence. His passing during this time was disappointing and he began to look slow and not as assured as was previously the case.

Some of the crowd criticism of him has been a little harsh given his contribution to the first half of the season but having said that if Wednesday are aiming to push for a play-off place next season it is difficult to see him as anything more than a squad player as he would struggle to make the first eleven.

Overall verdict: 6/10.