Stoke City winger Tom Ince is set to return for this weekend’s trip to Hillsborough.

The 26-year-old has been out of action since picking up a hamstring injury in the defeat to Wigan Athletic last month.

And manager Gary Rowett has confirmed that Ince will be back in the reckoning ahead of Saturday’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday.

With one winger returning another is set to be sidelined with James McClean out for around six weeks having broken his arm on international duty with the Republic of Ireland.

Ryan Woods could be in contention to start after impressing in the defeat to West Bromwich Albion last time out.

Speaking to Stoke City’s official website, Rowett offered early team news ahead of the weekend: “ “Tom will definitely come back into the reckoning for Saturday’s game. We’ve missed him since he’s been out.

“Losing James [McClean] is, of course, a big blow but in football, you have to ride with the punches, and ultimately someone else will get a chance.

“We’ve had people step up over the last week in training and really pushing for the available spot, and it will be up to them to take it.

“We’ve had such a long time since the last game that you almost pick the game afresh and play what team you think is the most appropriate one.

“Ryan Woods would come into that category having come on against West From and done really well, so there’s an obvious chance to give him his first start potentially.”

The Verdict 

It is refreshing news to hear that Tom Ince is fit and available after injury last month.

The boost is a timely one with James McClean now set to miss an extended period through injury.

One in one out, in difficult circumstances for Gary Rowett who will have at least one first-choice winger to pick from.

Regarding Ryan Woods, he impressed on his debut and having lost on that occasion, and a two-week break, the team will be re-energised.

The international break will allow Rowett to assess his side further, and Woods could be a beneficiary of his solid performance last time out.