Jon Walters three games away from first trophy of 15-year professional career

If ever a man deserved a winners’ medal, it must be Jon Walters.

The selfless frontman has been earning a wage from football since 2000 but has yet to be part of a trophy-winning team.

The closest the 32-year-old ever got to the winners’ enclosure was starting for Stoke in the 2011 FA Cup final. Along with fellow Irish internationals Marc Wilson, Glenn Whelan and Rory Delap, Walters ended on the losing side against Manchester City.

Prior to that, he was a runner up in consecutive league campaigns with surging Hull City in 2004 and 2005.

Last night, Walters was in the Stoke team that dismissed Sheffield Wednesday – conquerors of Arsenal in the last round – to reach the Capital One Cup semi finals.

Potters boss Mark Hughes made five changes from his team that drew 1-1 with West Brom last weekend. Two of the first names on his team-sheet, however, were Jack Butland and Jon Walters, who he named as captain.

With Wembley looming, there was no way Hughes was dropping his frontline talisman or the talented English goalkeeper.

Leading 2-0 with 15 minutes to go, Walters once again provided the out ball and held it up for teammates. He also won two frees for his side deep in the opposition half.

“I made the changes tonight not to disrespect the opposition but to give one or two of the lads who have done well for us an opportunity,” Hughes explained post-match.

Also in the pot, and a team Stoke may hope to avoid, are Manchester City. Everton are in the last four, played over two legs, and will be joined by the winner of Southampton v Liverpool this evening.

Walters is favourite to pick up FAI Senior International Player of the Year at an official ceremony in early 2016.

By the time that comes around, the forward may have his first ever winners’ medal as a professional footballer.

Team honours

Blackburn Rovers

FA Youth Cup runner-up: 2000–01

Hull City

Football League Two runner-up: 2003–04
Football League One runner-up: 2004–05

Stoke City
FA Cup runner-up: 2010–11

Individual honours

Ipswich Player of the Year: 2007

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