This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Comment’ series, this content strand is where the author of the article issues their personal opinion on the topic at hand...

You only need to look at the upturn in results they enjoyed following his return to the side last season, or the delight with which confirmation of his new contract with the club next summer was met with around Hillsborough, to see just how important Keiren Westwood is to Sheffield Wednesday.

Having joined the Owls from Sunderland in the summer of 2014, Westwood has gone onto make 173 appearances in all competitions for the club, with his spectacular saves and consistently solid and reliable performances throughout that time making him something of a cult hero during his five and a bit years with the club so far.

With that in mind therefore, it does almost seem as though the latest update with regards to the 34-year-old's future, is a rather surprising one.

As the latest round of international fixtures approach, and squad announcements are made, one man who has missed out this time around, and it seems potentially for good now, is Westwood himself.

After withdrawing from his national team's squad for the previous international break, it now appears as though it may well be a case of 21 caps and out for Westwood, with Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy appearing to suggest that he will not be calling up the goalkeeper again unless he is forced to do so as a result of injury and suspension.

While that may be somewhat frustrating for Westwood, who will like any player will have relished the opportunity to represent his country, and may be somewhat disappointed by the way his international career appears to have ended effectively with his withdrawal from the previous squad, this may not be the worst for Sheffield Wednesday, or indeed Westwood himself.

With the goalkeeper no longer having to think about international call ups or qualifying for major tournament with Ireland, it means he can fully focus his attention on Wednesday's campaign over the next few months and years.

That in itself feels like it may well have come at a rather good time for the Owls.

Having gone close to promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs earlier in Westwood's time at the club, it now seems as though the Owls are set to once again push for a return to the Premier League this season, so having their first choice goalkeeper fully focused on their push for promotion may well be one of those marginal gains that proves crucial for Wednesday this season.

Add to that that at 34-years-old, Westwood even as a goalkeeper is slowly starting to approach the final stages of his career, this may well help him to extend his time remaining in the game just that little bit longer.

The fact that he appears to no longer be in contention for Ireland, means that he will be given a weeks break where he can rest and recharge a few times a season, and that may be just what he needs to keep himself fit enough to compete at this level for several more years.

While missing out on the chance to represent your country may be something of a setback, it does seem as though this could be something of a boost for Wednesday themselves.

If it proves to be the one that finally gets them and Westwood closer to the promised land of the Premier League, you feel that is an outcome that will work for everyone.

[freshpress-poll ]