Returning striker Akpo Sodje is slowly but surely approaching full fitness and reached a major milestone on Monday morning at Middlewood Road.

Sodje - who spent the latter part of last term sidelined with an ankle injury that required surgery - came through the first day of pre-season training unscathed and is now set to step up his programme.

Speaking exclusively to swfc.co.uk he said: "It went well today, I haven't played any football for about four months, so I'm happy with the way things are going.

"I actually came back in a week early and thankfully the ankle is fine. I need to get used to kicking a ball again now as hard as I normally do and running on the ankle at full speed."

With six weeks to go until the Owls' Championship curtain raiser against Burnley at Hillsborough, the former Port Vale man is on course for involvement and naturally can't wait to pull on the shirt once more.

He added: "It was horrible missing so many games last season so I want to play as many as I can this time. I know I will get there, it's just a matter of time.

"I've seen the physios and the doctor today and they are happy with my progress, I'm actually about a week ahead of schedule.

"Everyone is training hard now, everyone wants a shirt and I'm no different. I would love to be able to play against Burnley so fingers crossed I will be fit and raring to go.

"But the important thing is three points from that game and no matter who plays, we all want to get off to a winning start."