Paul Hayes has described this season as the “best” of his career so far after leading Wanderers to the play-offs.

The club captain, who made his professional debut for Scunthorpe in 2002, is Wycombe’s top scorer having bagged 14 goals in 43 appearances this season.

Hayes has previously won promotions with Brentford, Barnsley, Charlton and Scunny twice but he says the current campaign tops the lot.

He said: “On a personal note, it’s probably been my best and most enjoyable season throughout my career because to be named captain at the start of the season was a massive achievement for myself and my family.

“When the gaffer came out and said that was going to happen it was massive for me. I knew I had to step up to the plate and take full responsibility.

“I think on the pitch I’ve tried to show leadership and off it I try to do things to help the players out or things that I’ve seen other captains do. I’ve very much enjoyed this season and, on a personal note, I think it’s been my best.”

The 31-year-old signed a two-year deal when he joined in the summer and says he is excited at what next season will bring, regardless of the result on Thursday night.

Wanderers have a blend of young and experienced players within the squad and Hayes feels manager Gareth Ainsworth has built a team who are capable of reaching the play-off final.

He said: “With the additions that the gaffer made of Sam Saunders and Nico, adding to the squad of players that we’ve got, it gives us a great balance of experienced players that have played at the top level to help out the younger players who are experiencing this for the first time.

“We’ve got a great blend, we’ve got some great characters in the building and we’ve also got some talented, hungry players who are in with a shout of getting to Wembley.”