Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Kieran Lee managed 66 minutes for the Owls U23 side today as he steps up his recovery from long-term injury.

The 30-year-old hasn't played a first-team game in 15 months after suffering terrible luck with injuries.

Prior to that, the box-to-box midfielder had established himself as a star man for Carlos Carvalhal at Hillsborough and played a vital role as they reached the play-offs.

That will feel a long time ago for Lee, who is out of contract with the Yorkshire side in the summer.

However, the Sheffield Star have revealed that the ex-Oldham man got through over an hour for the U23s today as he looks to build fitness.

That comes on the back of playing 45 minutes for the development side last week too.

Despite that, Owls boss Steve Bruce confirmed after the defeat to Leeds on Saturday that he doesn't expect to have Lee available before the end of the campaign, with Wednesday having four fixtures left to play.

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"I can't see Kieran Lee or Matt Penney being available for us this season. I think I have got to dismiss that as there are only five weeks left."

The Verdict

Even though it's only U23 football, Lee will surely be delighted to be back out playing after such a long lay-off.

It's a real shame for both the club and player that he hasn't been available as he had proven himself to be one of the better midfielders in the league.

Bruce is understandably going to be patient in easing Lee back, who will hope to impress for the 23s and in training in order to earn a new deal.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.