Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom has told Yorkshire Live that defender Jack O'Connell is making good progress towards making a long awaited return to action. 

The central defender has seen his career with the Blades plagued with injuries over the past few years, with a knee problem having seen him go through two operations and one failed comeback along the way.

O'Connell hasn't played for the Steel City side since the start of last season and is currently undergoing m0ore rehabilitation as he eyes another shot at getting back into the thick of things at Bramall Lane.

Speaking about the player recently, Heckingbottom was quick to provide the following update:

"He's happy with how it is and where he is with it.

"Our message and my conversations with Jack won't change there will be no pressure on him to be back for any sort of date, we just want to work with him and give him the best support for what has been a really tough time for him."

Prior to his injury O'Connell helped his side to two promotions from the Championship and League One and went on to be a key part of the side that took the Premier League by storm in the first season under the guidance of Chris Wilder.

The 27-year-old still has two years left to run on his contract with the Blades, thus offering him hope of a return in their colours.

The Verdict 

It has been a long and desperate road for the defender but it does appear that there may well be some light at the end of the tunnel as he continues with his recovery.

He is a player with a lot of talent and it is clear that Heckingbottom knows exactly what he can offer to the team further down the line.

Whether he returns this season is anyone's guess but at the same time he still has the insurance of knowing that he still has a few years left to run on his contract.

Everybody will be keeping their fingers crossed that there are no further set backs for the centre back.