Sheffield Wednesday have had a tremendous first season under manager Carlos Carvalhal, finishing in the top six and giving themselves a real chance of promotion.

They take on one of Brighton or Middlesbrough in the end of season play-off campaign, and have the chance to return to the Premier League for the first time since the turn of the millennium.

This season has seen the new owners back the manager, and they have had some real quality among the ranks for the first time in many years.

The Owls will no doubt be delving into the transfer market again during the summer, whether they remain in the Championship or find themselves in the Premier League.

Fans will be hopeful of some more stellar signings, and although it is hard to really pinpoint any position out as 'needing' someone new, there can always be room for improvement.

With this thought in mind, FLW writer Lee Connor gives his opinion on the dream XI for the Owls going into next season....

[ffc-gallery]

PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE DREAM OWLS XI!

carvalhalmnsjssp

[/ffc-gallery]

 

GK - Keiren Westwood

westwood34

No need for any replacements here, as Westwood is as solid as they come in terms of goalkeepers in the Championship.

He has been a model of consistency in the sticks for the Owls this term, and fans love having him as their number 1.

In a team which prides itself on being pretty solid at the back, Westwood is a key component. It is imperative he stays with the Owls, regardless of promotion, as they will be hard pushed to find a better replacement.

RB - Jack Hunt

huntttt

Another relatively new signing and one of real quality, Jack Hunt already possesses the quality to play in both the Premier League and the Championship.

There would be little point in the Owls replacing someone of the former Huddersfield man's quality, and he should be a shoo in to start for the team next term.

He has added another dimension to the Owls this term, and is certainly an upgrade on Lewis Buxton, who departed last summer.

CB - Lewis Dunk

lewis dunklewis dunk

A player who is being courted by many a manager across the leagues, Dunk is one of the best young centre backs in the division.

With Glen Loovens starting to age a bit, the Owls could be wise to act quickly and use some of their financial clout to try and secure the Brighton man.

Dunk will be suspended for the first leg of any play-off tie between the two clubs, and Wednesday fans will know it gives them a big opportunity should it be Brighton they end up playing.

CB - Tom Lees

lees9822

Mr Consistency, Tom Lees is an excellent centre half and has excelled since joining the club from Leeds United.

Ridiculed by many a Leeds fan upon his release to the Owls, he has proved them wrong with a string of excellent and mature displays to lead his team from the back.

Lees is and will remain one of the first names on the team sheet, and if the Owls did manage to add someone like Lewis Dunk as mentioned, it would be a formidable partnership at any level.

LB - Daniel Pudil

pudil

Since arriving from Watford, Pudil has become a real favourite with fans at Hillsborough.

His all action displays and commitment to the cause are second to none, and he has international class and experience to go with it to justify his place in the team.

Pudil will be hoping to stay with the Owls next term, and cement his place as one of the best full backs the club has had in the last decade.

Mid - Barry Bannan

bannannnn

The one midfielder at the club who has simply been excellent in almost every game.

Bannan has scored some absolute belters this season, and could have his own goal of the season competition alongside Ross Wallace in the Owls squad.

The little dynamic ace was an excellent signing in the summer, proving to be an inspired purchase and finding consistent form throughout the season to seal his place in fans hearts.

Mid - Adam Clayton

Adam Claytonch

A surprising name in that they might not be able to get him, but not surprising in that he is included in a dream 11.

If Boro don't win promotion, and the Owls sneak up in the play offs, then Carvalhal may just test the water with a bid for the former Huddersfield playmaker.

Alongside Kieran Lee, he could form an excellent central midfield partnership for the Owls, and is someone most fans would be absolutely delighted with if they could pull it off.

Mid - Kieran Lee 

Kieran Lee

One of the surprise standout performers of the season, Lee has been a model of consistency for Wednesday in the middle of the park.

He has formed an excellent partnership with Sam Hutchinson in the main, proving week in week out his worth to the team with his displays.

Lee is also good for a goal and an assist too, and has proved an adequate attacking player this term after spending the earlier part of his career a little witheld.

Mid - Anthony Knockaert

Anthony Knockaert Anthony Knockaert

With Ross Wallace unlikely to be able to compete to his high standards all season long due to his age, the Owls may well need another winger.

Where better to look than Knockaert, one of the stand out players in the league.

It might be a very long shot, but if you are dreaming big, then you are best to dream of the best players, and Knockaert is certainly in that bracket in the Championship.

Fwd - Fernando Forestieri

Fernando Forestierimm

The little Italian has been instrumental in the Owls success this term, and was voted the clubs player of the year this season.

He has banged in the goals, and despite having seen red twice for apparent diving offences, he remains one of the best players in the league.

Forestieri has been an inspired purchase for the club, and he will most definitely be the man they build their team around next season.

Fwd - Gary Hooper

hooperrrr0099

The former Celtic and Scunthorpe striker has been an excellent acquisition, and has really excelled up front with a number of crucial goals for the club since Christmas.

Hooper oozes class as Championship level, and will no doubt be chomping at the bit to prove it in the Premier League also.

Hooper is nailed on to be the main striker with Forestieri next term, and for good reason.

Owls fans, do you agree? Would you like to see any other positions strengthened? Let us know in the comments!