As a record crowd cheered Sheffield Wednesday's fireworks display in smashing Norwich 4-1 on Sunday, thereby ensuring they did not slip into League One, the champagne flowed.

Owls defender Frank Simek had watched the victory afternoon unfold from the bench, as he had done since Christmas, with a glass half-empty or half-full.

The US international was a missing man in 2008 after damaging ankle ligaments playing against Crystal Palace two weeks before Christmas, wiping out the second half of his third season with the sleeping giants of South Yorkshire.

Without him, the Owls struggled into the lower half of the standings, eventually ending the season 16th, just three points above the drop zone. In 2006/07, they had finished ninth, four points out of the playoffs.

For the injured American, watching his team having to fight off relegation was as painful as the troublesome ankle which had kept him sidelined since last year.

"It was horrible," Simek told American Soccer Daily. "Watching from the sidelines as my team was struggling, and unable to do anything - it was extremely frustrating."

The Missouri-born defender made 20 appearances for the Owls in all competitions this season before he twisted his ankle at Selhurst Park - an experience he described as 'my worst moment yet' - but had been hoping to return to action before the campaign was out.

"I had played in a couple of reserve games," Simek confirmed. "I thought I was doing well, but then it flared up again. I saw a specialist."

"He said I should have an operation and that I would be doing nobody any favors by keeping playing. I had my surgery five weeks ago and the recovery time is three months."

Simek's injury will cost him the chance of summer action for his country, for which he has made five appearances to date.

"I'll be missing the games with the National Team, so all I have to do now is look forward to next season," he said. "I'm just looking forward to getting back. I still want to play at the World Cup and in the Premiership with Sheffield Wednesday."

Eyebrows may be raised that Wednesday can ascend to the top flight, and the 22-year old Simek has already been linked more than once with a move up a division to clubs such as Everton, Portsmouth and Aston Villa.

But having signed a three-year contract last summer, he intends to stay loyal to the club who first gave him a regular spot in 2005, after making only one appearance during his years with Arsenal.

"I am confident that the club will go forward," Simek insisted, adding necessarily, "If they can improve the finances of the club so we can challenge for the title."

"I love playing here in Sheffield and we are a big club who will continue to progress. We are better than where we finished and let's hope we can show that next season."

Simek has been one of the most impressively consistent Americans in Europe for the past three seasons, but in the shade of the Premier League and excluded from the limelight of the Championship promotion race, he has not garnered the laurel wreaths he has arguably deserved.

While fan recognition outside of Sheffield may remain scarce, his hard work has not gone unnoticed. US coach Bob Bradley has brought him into the fold. The blond American has become a fan favorite and highly-rated among the Hillsborough faithful, a fact he is sheepish to acknowledge.

"I hear the USA chants, but I don't read the message boards or anything," said Simek. "I just feel great when there are 36,000 people cheering us on. The following is ridiculous. If we can just move up the league, then the fan base is there for something really special to happen."

Wednesday finished 16th in points, but eighth in attendance this season. The biggest crowd in the Football League in 2007/08, 36,000, turned out on Sunday to cheer them to a 4-1 win over Norwich, a result which secured the Owls' Championship status.

"It felt so good at Hillsborough - that was my best moment of the season," he admitted. "This one has not been the best for me because I only played the first half and then had a major setback when I thought I was doing well, but the fans have been great."

"And all credit to the guys - they held their heads up and we stayed up, which was the most important thing."

Simek is no showman. He plays for a somewhat struggling club and is a quiet character off the field. He does his talking on the grass instead, and has been a tough-tackling, solid yet skillful right back for the past three campaigns.

His attitude and endeavor have been almost impossible to fault in the 100+ games he has played since arriving at Wednesday, a record which deserves more attention.

Whether or not he stays forever loyal to a club in the lower half of the Championship is a question for another day. For now, this soldier is keeping the faith.

This season was not great for Frankie, but he is not going to let it stay long in the memory. Another solid season beckons, as do more chances to prove he should start at right back for the US in South Africa in 2010.

"I'm going back to St Louis for rehab this summer, and then I just need to get my head down and get ready for next season." After a slight pause, he adds, "I think it will be a great year for us."