Laws won't rush back Simek

The right-back, linked with a move to Villa Park, missed the last five months of the 2007/8 season due to an ankle injury sustained against Crystal Palace in December.

The former Arsenal trainee's rehabilitation has taken longer than initially planned, but Laws is sure the 23-year-old can still make an impact during the new campaign.

Laws told the Sheffield Star: "He'll be back with us, but he'll be gradually eased in.

"He won't hit the ground running like everyone else and we certainly won't be rushing him, of that you can be sure.

"The intention is to point him towards the start of the season in August and we'll see how he goes over the next few weeks. But the lad has been out a long time and we won't rush things."