Sheffield Wednesday are preparing for a busy summer following their 12th-placed finish in the Championship, with Steve Bruce asserting that the squad will have a fresh look for next season.

Bruce has transformed Wednesday's fortunes since taking over as manager in February by guiding the Owls to a top-half finish, despite their miserable start to the season under Jos Luhukay.

One of the key changes Bruce made was the re-introduction of goalkeeper Keiren Westwood into the Owls' starting line-up, with Cameron Dawson starting in the net under Luhukay.

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Dawson was not exactly performing badly, but Westwood's inclusion in the side steadied the Owls' defence immediately as they conceded just 17 goals under Bruce's leadership.

The 34-year-old's contract is now set to expire in the summer, with many Wednesday fans concerned he will be one of those who could leave in the close-season.

But here are three reasons why the Owls hierarchy must get his future sorted...

Bags of experience

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Westwood is a Football League veteran having had spells at Coventry City and Carlisle United, in addition to his five years at Hillsborough.

Dawson is still only 23, so the Wednesday defence benefitted immensely from having the experienced head of Westwood behind them. Whereas Dawson perhaps was not the best fit in the Owls' goals when the going got tough.

As he has done this season, Westwood can continue provide a sturdy presence in the nets. He would adeptly back up the fresh-look Wednesday side we could see come August.

Still at a good age

At 34, Westwood still has two or three years left in him at this level, so it would seem foolish for Wednesday to ship him out.

The Irish international has shown no signs of age getting the better of him this season, as his traditionally strong reflexes have saved Wednesday on numerous occasions since Luhukay's sacking.

His penalty save against Eberechi Eze on the last day of the season is a clear sign of what he still has to offer.

Championship interest

Westwood has reportedly been offered a contract by newly relegated Huddersfield, according to The Star.

The last thing Wednesday would want is for Westwood to join the Terriers and then become their first choice next season. It is important that the Owls tie him down to a deal so he is not lured by Huddersfield's contract.

With Jonas Lossl leaving Huddersfield, they could well be eyeing up Westwood to become their number one goalkeeper. This is a clear sign of how highly he is regarded across the division. Sheffield Wednesday simply must get a new contract sorted for their star man at the back.