Lee bullen has given a unique insight into the process of a player returning to fitness from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The former Wednesday defender has said there is nothing worse for a player than being unable to join team mates on a day-to-day basis in training.
The Owls coach was delighted to see the Under-21s emerge comfortable winners against Chesterfield on Tuesday but more importantly, the return of Caolan Lavery and Jack Stobbs.
The 22-year-old faced a long road to recovery after picking up a knee injury in pre-season that ruled out the forward for over three months.
But Lavery bagged two goals against the Spireites as he edges ever-closer to a first team comeback.
Likewise, 17-year-old Stobbs has shown mental strength beyond his years to bounce back from two ankle injuries this season.
The winger took the game by storm on Tuesday and claimed two assists after his introduction from the bench.
Bullen told swfc.co.uk: “Nobody understands what it is like to be an injured player.
“Sitting in the gym or on a treadmill looking out on the pitch at your team mates playing football is the worst feeling in the world.
“It takes a lot of psychological strength to remain positive and upbeat.
“Caolan has been magnificent and it’s great to see him back amongst the goals. As a striker, it’s precisely what he needed.
“Jack is a strong kid and has taken a few injuries in his time. We’ve got a player there whose game is 75 per cent weighted towards raw pace and power.
“When you go over on ankles, damage knees or hamstrings or anything like that, it can affect you.
“But he has come back and looked as good as ever.
“His deliveries against Chesterfield, as a striker or defender going up, were exactly what you want. I would have loved to be on the end of those crosses in my time!”
While there is good news regarding Caolan and Jack, Wednesday have received a blow in that Frenchman Franck Betra is likely to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.
With Betra now seemingly at the beginning of the aforementioned process, Bullen has said the youngster will be given all the support and guidance in order to make a full recovery.
He added: “We have got another sore one in Franck who looks like he will be out for the rest of the season.
“We will have to keep him positive and upbeat and wish him well throughout his rehabilitation.”