Shining star

James Wesolowski: star man

JAMES Wesolowski has claimed the Chronicle’s Star Man prize for 2013-14.

The midfield dynamo (26) started the campaign as an unused substitute at Stevenage, but in his third year at Boundary Park has proved to be highly influential player.

The former Leicester and Peterborough player suffered a fractured cheekbone at Mansfield, but has battled back and is enjoying his best goal-scoring season so far, on five goals.

And having been rewarded after giving him extra licence to get forward, manager Lee Johnson fully appreciates the qualities the Sydney-born player brings to his side.

“He whips up the crowd with his energy and his desire,” Johnson said. “He has improved a lot and he has had his best goal-scoring year.

“Technically, he has improved. You can see his character. It doesn’t matter with Weso whether he is playing in a cup final or a game of tiddlywinks. He wants to win, badly, and will do anything he can to achieve that.”

Wesolowski claimed his ninth Star Man nomination of the season for a fine display in the 0-0 home draw with Coventry. With only three matches left, his closest challengers Danny Philliskirk and Korey Smith can’t catch him.