Paolo Di Canio: Hopes to play well for Wednesday

The Italian, now back in training in Yorkshire, has promised to make himself strong enough for the second half of the season after missing most of the first.

His 11 match suspension for pushing Alcock to the ground ends in time for a festive return against Leicester at Hillsborough on Boxing Day.

He is still the club's leading scorer with three goals this season, and despite some encouraging recent results they are still missing his inspirational qualities.

The 30-year-old has spent the last seven weeks back home in Italy and is now counting down the days to his return.

Speaking on Monday after his return to the club, he said: "I have been training hard with my personal fitness instructor Michele Palmiere but I just want to play football now.

"I desperately need a game. Over the next 25 days I will train as hard as possible, while playing some matches with my team-mates.

"I am feeling a bit tired because I have had a heavy schedule. I've been training every day, doing a double session.

"I have an appointment with the fans on Boxing Day. I am conditioning myself to return to the side for the game with Leicester.

"I want to be very strong for Boxing Day and especially for the rest of the season because I have missed a lot of matches."

Wilson waits

Wednesday manager Danny Wilson is eager for the striker to return to the first team.

"You always miss a player of his creative ability," he said.

"In the last couple of games we've looked a bit more fluid, but prior to that we have certainly missed Paolo's talent.

"Any manager at any football club would always miss someone with Paolo's special talent.

"Obviously it's been a frustrating time for him because he wants to be involved. All we can now do is look forward.