Sheffield Wednesday have this afternoon announced that Jordan Thorniley has committed his long-term future to the Owls, with the young defender agreeing fresh terms at Hillsborough.

It has been confirmed on the club’s official website that Thorniley has agreed a new three-and-a-half year deal with Wednesday, which will keep the defender contracted in South Yorkshire until the summer of 2021.

The 21-year-old has been with the Owls since 2016, having arrived from Everton, and was a regular in the development side at Hillsborough last season, before taking huge strides in the first-team this year.

Thorniley completed a 17-match loan spell with Accrington Stanley in League Two earlier this season, helping his temporary employers into serious promotion contention in the English fourth-tier.

Since his return to Hillsborough at the turn of the year, Thorniley has worked his way into Jos Luhukay’s first-team, making his debut in the goalless draw with Cardiff City last month.

From there, the youngster has gone on to make a further four first-team appearances for the Owls this season, including making a cameo appearance as a late substitute against Derby County on Tuesday evening, as Luhukay’s side picked up their first victory of the Dutchman’s era, beating the Rams 2-0.

The Verdict

Thorniley has impressed in his first-team breakthrough in recent weeks, and those at Hillsborough will be encouraged to see the youngster committing his long-term future to the club.

Luhukay’s hand has been forced by injuries, but the faith he has shown in Thorniley and other youngsters highlights that there is certainly a route to the first-team from Wednesday’s academy.

After signing his deal, Thorniley is now tasked with establishing himself in the first-team squad.

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