Simek - we've all improved - exclusive

Last updated : 23 May 2007 By Andy Parsons

Simek came to Hillsborough raw but there is no doubt that he is turning into an accomplished defender after two seasons of solid first-team football.

Glenn Whelan and Chris Brunt were given a fair amount of grief last year but they turned it around to prove their doubters wrong and be key men in Wednesday's success.


And Simek puts it all down to experience and believes that a regular place in the team improves one's game.


He told Footymad: "I think you can look at the experience of the team now compared to our struggles last year. You look at players like myself, Chris Brunt and Glenn Whelan who all had their first season at this level last year but this last season we have really kicked on; Brunty and Whelan have been exceptional for us and getting this year under our belts has really brought our game on and next season we will keep pushing on.


"I think personally I have improved loads since my first game here at Wednesday, especially this season. I have always wanted to get forward more and I have worked on that; I'm nowhere near the finished article but I have definitely improved playing week in, week out."


Wednesdayites are now looking forward to next season and there is a lot to smile about and Simek agrees.


He added: "There are big expectations next season and a lot more pressure too; it's going to keep us on the edge, that's for sure.


"But if we can add a few more players over the summer it'll help but. Expectations of course are to improve on this year and by doing that we have to get into the play-offs and that's definitely possible."


Simek won his first cap for the USA last season although is still in the dark whether or not he will play a part in the Copa America, the continent's version of the European Championships, this summer in Venezuela.


"I don't know whether I will be involved in the Copa or not," Simek says, "fingers crossed I do get a call and get a few more caps, if that happens that's great but I will think about that when it comes along.


"I haven't had much contact with the US Soccer Federation since I went over there but a new roster is coming out in a week or so and hopefully I will be part of it."


The US kick-off their campaign against Argentina June 28, followed by Paraguay on July 2 and Colombia 3 days later.