Striker Gary Hooper is closing in on a return to action for Sheffield Wednesday as they look to turn around their fortunes on the field under Steve Bruce.

The former Celtic forward has been on the treatment table since Boxing Day 2017, but in today's press conference Bruce admitted he was in the final stages of his rehabilitation, although he isn't out on a pitch as yet.

The club's official account tweeted Bruce's comments on the 31-year-old, with the former Villa manager saying: "Gary Hooper is not far away. He’s out on the pitch and in the final stages of his rehabilitation but it will be good to have him around that’s for sure."

Hooper had been linked with a move away from Hillsborough in the transfer window, with Vancouver Whitecaps and DC Utd keen on securing his signature.

He's bagged 24 goals in 70 outings for the Owls after joining from Norwich for a fee of £3m, but he's seen his time in Sheffield blighted by injury.

He underwent surgery last year to correct the problem, but he's now been out of action for 13 months and counting.

The Verdict

When, and if, Hooper comes back he'll be like a new signing for the Owls. They certainly missed him, they've not had a target man to aim at and it could be said his absence helped nudge Jos Luhukay towards the exit door.

It's not looking as though he'll be back in the enxt couple of weeks, but just hearing he's closing in on a return will give Owls fans something to cling to for the end of the season.