Barry Bannan thrilled to pen new Sheffield Wednesday deal

It was over a month ago that the midfielder, who has been a revelation since joining the Championship outfit on a free transfer last August, revealed he was in dialogue with Wednesday’s hierarchy.

And after several rounds of discussions, the Scotland international has finally committed his long-term future to the Owls.

Bannan, who has featured 22 times this campaign, hitting two goals, told The Star: “It is brilliant it has gone done.

“It was always going to get done because I wanted to stay here and so did the club. It was a matter of time.

“I couldn’t do it until January anyway and we didn’t talk until a couple of weeks ago. It just dragged on a bit longer than we wanted but it is done now and that’s the main thing.

“Now I can focus on my football and look forward to the future.”

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The 26-year-old has outlined his reasons for extending his Wednesday stay.

“First-team football was massive part of why I came here and I have been getting that,” he said. “I have loved it from day one here.

“The fans took to me straight away and my teammates have been unbelievable. It was never in doubt really. I have always wanted to stay here as soon as I came through the door.”

Bannan also paid tribute to head coach Carlos Carvalhal, saying: “The manager has played a big part as well. I get on really well with him. He has full confidence in me.”

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