Sheffield Wednesday v Reading: Arrival of Steve Bruce gives Keiren Westwood hope
The Republic of Ireland international was rated the best goalkeeper in the Championship before an injury in December, 2017.
The 34-year-old was then frozen out by Jos Luhukay – he never played under the Dutchman – and it took a change of manager to end Westwood’s first-team exile.
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Hide AdWestwood was recalled on December 22 after 12 months out and four clean sheets in six league games have followed for a tightened defence, which had conceded more goals than any other team in the Championship.
Now, after being reunited at Hillsborough with Steve Bruce – the manager who signed him for Sunderland in 2011 – Westwood is hoping to earn a new contract with his current deal expiring in the summer.
“It’s never easy not playing, it’s like a kick in the teeth,” said Westwood. “It was tough, but I am a professional and have played since I was 17 – I am 34 now – and have seen everything, whether it’s happened to me or a team-mate.
“There were a few chances to go in the summer, but for whatever reason they didn’t materialise.
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Hide Ad“I did think it was over, if I am honest. But Jos leaving opened the door for me. I was only injured for the back end of last season. I have been fit since pre-season and trained every day.
“I know it sounds daft, but I feel fitter than I have ever been.
“That’s gone now, it’s probably made me a stronger person for it. I am not a bitter guy, I don’t hold grudges.”
Westwood believes if Luhukay had remained at Wednesday he “probably would have gone” in last month’s January transfer window, Leeds United one of several clubs linked with him.
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Hide AdNow he hopes to extend his five-year stay at Hillsborough and fight with youngsters Cameron Dawson and Joe Wildsmith for the goalkeeping jersey.
“I haven’t spoke about a new deal, but this is my fifth season and it’s been great,” he said. “I have loved it here since day one.
“I am just concentrating on playing. Obviously I only got in at the end of December.
“In January just gone, if Jos was still here, I probably would have gone or maybe just had to sit out my contract.
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Hide Ad“It’s a fantastic football club. I have been here for five years and have a great relationship with the club, whether it’s in the kitchen or on the terraces. I don’t see why I would like that to change, but that’s out of my hands. Contract situations lie with Mr Chansiri and the gaffer.”
Not that a new deal would be required for Westwood to be a regular visitor to Hillsborough next season and beyond.
“Even if I am not here I probably still would end up coming (next season),” he smiled. “I have three kids, two young lads who are Sheffield Wednesday daft.
“They are my five-year-old – I have been here for five years – and the two-year-old who is asking ‘Alexa’ to play Hi Ho Sheffield Wednesday.
“So I will probably end up getting a season ticket when I am finished, sitting up in the stands.”