Sheffield Wednesday's signing of Ben Heneghan during the summer has proven to be a masterclass, with the centre-back likely to be a big part of any automatic promotion push for the Owls.

The 29-year-old joined on a free transfer from Wimbledon, with Wednesday fans no doubt sceptical after Heneghan made 41 appearances in League One for the Dons last season as they were relegated from the third tier.

However, the defender has quickly proven himself to be an inspired piece of business for Darren Moore's side, as he has been superb in the vast majority of his performances so far this season.

In nine appearances in League One, the centre-back has averaged a superb 7.23 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which ranks him as the second-best performer in the Owls' squad so far this season, with only Barry Bannan rated higher.

In Heneghan's 11 appearances in all competitions, Wednesday have kept eight clean sheets, which emphasises how important he has been to their good form.

After he was instrumental in a recent 1-0 away win over Port Vale, Sheffield Star reporter Joe Crann was full of praise for Heneghan, writing:

"Didn’t dare say anything while the game was still going, but Heneghan, Ihiekwe and James were tremendous for SWFC today. Monumental defensive performance."

No player in the Owls' squad has averaged more interceptions (1.6) or clearances (5.4) per game than Heneghan this season, which again emphasises just how good he has been in the heart of a Sheffield Wednesday defence that has kept the most clean sheets in the league.

He has also averaged a phenomenal 6.6 aerials won per game in the third tier, which is the joint-fourth best in the league, which shows how dominant he has been in the air this term.

Considering he was signed on a free transfer and has been so impressive, Moore deserves a lot of credit for bringing him in this summer, as he will surely be imperative to Wednesday's hopes of earning promotion back to the second tier.