Sheffield Wednesday: Defender hopes to prove himself to Owls manager Jos Luhukay

Centre-half Joost van Aken is itching for a chance to show manager Jos Luhukay what he can bring to the Wednesday team.
Joost van Aken is out to impress Jos LuhukayJoost van Aken is out to impress Jos Luhukay
Joost van Aken is out to impress Jos Luhukay

Van Aken, a £4m capture from SC Heerenveen last August, has not made a single appearance under Luhukay because of hamstring and ankle injuries.

The tall Dutchman is currently recovering from ankle surgery and faces a race against time to be ready for the start of pre-season on June 25.

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But van Aken hopes to force his way into Luhukay’s plans as soon as he regains full fitness.

“I know I have to impress,” he told The Star. “I was trying to do my best and show him [Luhukay] my abilities after the hamstring injury.

“I played a few games in the Under-23s and then I picked up the ankle problem which had to be solved.

“Unfortunately it was not how I wanted the second half season to go.”

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Van Aken has made 14 starts since moving to Hillsborough but his last senior appearance came at Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day.

The 24-year-old, who is contracted to the Championship club until 2021, said:” I have enjoyed being at Sheffield Wednesday and I’m really happy to be here and part of this big club.

“I hope and will try as hard as possible to be a part of the team next season to fight for promotion.”