The American full-back was a regular in manager Brian Laws' starting line-up until damaging ankle ligaments in December 2007 and missing the rest of that campaign. Simek returned in October last season, but suffered a succession of other injuries and made only six appearances.

Simek told the club's official website: "It's been frustrating at times but it was good to be back playing league football for Sheffield Wednesday.

"It's been tough. You train all week and you don't get any reward at the end of it because there is no game there for you.

"You have to try and keep on top of your fitness as much as you can which is tough especially when you're on the bench.

"You can play reserve games but unless you get four or five first-team games consecutively under your belt you're not going to be at your peak fitness. Hopefully I can do that, stay injury free and the gaffer will pick me."