Sheffield Wednesday boss Brian Laws believes the return to fitness of five of his injured players will be "like new summer signings".The Owls' hopes were scuppered last season by a succession of long-term injuries to key players such as strikers Akpo Sodje and Francis Jeffers and defenders Richard Wood and Frank Simek.

Laws, still hoping to recruit for the new campaign, said: "The important thing for Sheffield Wednesday next season is to have everyone available.

"The injuries we sustained last year - five players requiring surgery - was catastrophic and it nearly took us out of the division, so that shows you how important those players are.

"Having those new players will be like new signings for us. This summer is crucial in getting those players back and getting them prepared.

"They are all progressing really well and they are all expected to be in pre-season training, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we can look forward and not backwards."

More Football News from TEAMtalk