Owls hero Weaver brings memories flooding back for City fans

The Sheffield-born goalkeeper is fondly remembered over the Pennines because his penalty save in the 1991 League One play-off final against Gillingham secured promotion for City at Wembley.

Eleven years on, Weaver was celebrating again on Wednesday night after pulling off yet another stunning penalty shoot-out performance to keep the Owls on the road to Wembley in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

This time, however, Weaver not only made a hat-trick of saves but also scored the crucial spotkick that dumped League Two neighbours Chesterfield out of the competition live on Sky TV.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post yesterday, Weaver said: "It's amazing how many text messages I got from Manchester City fans saying that I have brought back some great memories. I was tempted to do the same sprint across the pitch with my arms out wide, too – but I don't think I had the energy!

"Obviously, when you put things into context, the save at Wembley was more important but I will never forget what happened on Wednesday night.

"As a kid, it was always my dream to make a few saves in front of the Hillsborough Kop but now I have actually managed to score a goal there as well.

"Some people may write off the Johnstone's Paint Trophy saying its just a 'Mickey Mouse Cup' but if I can go back to Wembley with Sheffield Wednesday, I don't care what the competition iis."

Weaver, 31, has been in sparkling form for the Owls and manager Alan Irvine says his arrival has helped compensate for the sale of Lee Grant to Burnley.

"The biggest compliment I can pay to Nicky is to say that no-one has missed Lee Grant," said Irvine. "He has been outstanding; not just on the pitch but also in the dressing room."

The Owls return to league action at home to Leyton Orient tomorrow seeking to build on back-to-back victories to move back towards the play-off zone.

Defender Mark Beevers is doubtful after suffering an ankle injury late on in Wednesday's game and striker Neil Mellor is suffering from a virus.

Midfielder Giles Coke is having treatment on a hamstring strain but Irvine has options in the shape of both Tommy Miller and James O'Connor who were rested against Chesterfield and winger Jermaine Johnson, who is back in contention after recovering from knee surgery.