Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Steve Watson concedes his professional playing days are almost certainly over after his long battle against a hip injury.

The 35-year-old, whose previous clubs include Newcastle, Aston Villa, Everton and West Brom, had surgery towards the end of last season but does not expect to win back his place in the Owls' first team.

Watson told the club's official website: "It's very likely that I won't play again professionally, but I still want to get back to a decent level of fitness so I can play when I want to play."

He added: "If I get fitter and stronger and it feels better, then I can't 100% rule it out that I won't give it another try.

"Coaching does appeal to me, but I'd have to make sure it's what I want to do."

Watson added: "I've enjoyed my career and been lucky enough to play for five really big clubs and I'm curious as to what is going to happen next.

"I'm very reluctant to say that's the end of it because I still have the passion to play, but if you spend eight months out of the game at 35, it's a long way to get back."