Sheffield Wednesday announced that Matt Penney had left the club during the summer transfer window, with the full-back making the somewhat surprising loan move to German side St Pauli.

Penney made 17 appearances for the Championship club last season, but was unlikely to be a regular in the starting XI with the likes of Liam Palmer and Morgan Fox ahead of him in the pecking order at Hillsborough.

Many would have thought that the youngster would have headed lower down the Football League to find regular game time, but that wasn't the case.

Penney linked up with former Owls boss Jos Luhukay at St Pauli, and has gone on to make a relatively strong start to life away from Hillsborough.

The 21-year-old has made seven appearances in total for the German side, but will be hoping to play his part as they look to improve on a recent slump in their league form.

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St Pauli currently sit 12th in the 2nd Bundesliga table after 11 games, but things have been looking positive for the Sheffield Wednesday youngster.

When he has featured, St Pauli have only been beaten three times, which includes a German Cup exit to Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this week.

But he'll be hoping for a more consistent run in the starting XI as the season progresses after missing out on five of their league games so far this term.

Penney has often been used as a left-back in their side, but has also been utilised at left wing-back which could make him a versatile option for Garry Monk to have in the Sheffield Wednesday squad next season.

His future could be somewhat 'up in the air' heading into next year's campaign though, especially if the Owls are to win promotion into the Premier League this season.

Monk's side have started the season strongly as well, and they currently occupy one of the play-off places after 14 league games which will be pleasing to see for the club's supporters.

For the time being though, Penney will have to continue to build on these impressive showings and hope that he can have a long-term future at Hillsborough when he returns in the summer.