Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Steve Watson hopes to return to the bench at Crystal Palace on Saturday following 10 matches on the sidelines.The 33-year-old has missed the Owls' last 10 matches after tearing a hamstring in the FA Cup clash against Derby in January.

Watson, who came through a full 90 minutes unscathed for the reserves against York last week, is aiming to show he is ready for first-team selection at Selhurst Park on Saturday with a run out against Leeds' second string.

But the former Newcastle, Aston Villa and Everton utility player may have to bide his time before a return to the starting line-up.

Sean McAllister has recently broken into the first team and forged a useful partnership with Graham Kavanagh in central midfield, while Richard Wood, Mark Beevers, Richard Hinds and Tommy Spurr are currently one of the meanest back fours in the Championship.

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