US international Frank Simek is close to making his 2008 debut at relegation-threatened Sheffield Wednesday.

The Missouri-born defender has been absent in the new year with an ankle injury, but is now only days away from being back in contention for the Owls, who are one point from the Championship safety zone with nine games left to play.

"I am doing all right," Simek told American Soccer Daily. "I played a game for the reserves last week and then another one two nights ago, so I am just trying to get back into the swing of things."

"We'll see how it continues to react over the next couple of days, but hopefully it won't be too long until I am back in action."

Simek hobbled off against Crystal Palace on December 15th and has been missing for the Owls and the US ever since. "I injured my left ankle," he recalled. "A bit of cartilage damage, a bit of ligament damage and some bone bruising."

The 22-year old could now make his return in some make-or-break games which will either secure the Yorkshire club's Championship future, or send them down to League One.

"We have got less than 10 games left this season, so every one will be pretty important," said Simek. "And we have a big game coming up on Saturday."

Simek, who joined Wednesday in 2005 following one game for Arsenal and loan spells with QPR and Bournemouth, has made 20 appearances this season and 105 in total for the club, scoring twice.

Speculation has previously linked the American to Premier League teams, rumors that could resurface in the summer should the Owls be relegated. The USA are also playing England in London in May, where Simek's talents could again be in the shop window for bigger clubs.

"I signed a three-year contract last season, so I am happy here," he said. "Obviously playing England at Wembley is a big game, but first I have to concentrate on keeping my club from relegation."

The Owls host Crystal Palace at Hillsborough tomorrow.