Fernando Forestieri moves a step closer to Sheffield Wednesday return after Under-23s run-out

The 30-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of the season, played the first half of Wednesday's Under-23s 3-2 defeat to Hull City at Middlewood Road on Friday.

It was a welcome return to action for Forestieri, who has not appeared for the senior team since the Owls' win at Charlton Athletic in late November.

"We will see how he reacts from that and try and build him up from there," boss Garry Monk told The Star.

Monk has hinted Forestieri may need to get some more minutes under his belt for the U23s to continue building up his match fitness and sharpness following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Liam Palmer is another player progressing well from injury but Tuesday's Championship meeting with troubled Wigan Athletic is likely to come too soon for the Scotland international.

Monk said: "Liam has been back out training two or three days; we thought about playing him in the (Hull) game but he is not back in full training."

The Wednesday chief is hopeful midfield pair Massimo Luongo (groin) and Kieran Lee (shoulder) will be available for selection when they travel to the DW Stadium.

On bringing in reinforcements before Friday’s transfer deadline, Monk said: “I know what we are trying to do. It is not quite there.

“It’s the attacking areas we are looking at. We are keeping our eyes open and looking to strengthen what we already have.

“Let’s see what we can do.”