Akpo Up For It

Eleven matches and two goals was Akpo Sodje's contribution to Wednesday's campaign last term - he's determined things will change this time round.

The Owls frontman told Wednesday World: 'I'm fully fit and ready to go for pre-season. I'm really looking forward to the new season because I'm confident my fitness is much better now.'

Worked on by a German injury specialist, Akpo sounds confident about the results of that treatment, and wants to be in line for selection on the opening day, for a meeting with Barnsley and a familiar opponent:

'It excites me because I can remember the last time I played against Barnsley and I scored the winning goal. There's more to look forward to for me as my nephew, Onome, has just signed for Barnsley, so hopefully we'll start the season by beating them.'

Let's see how the big man goes in the round of pre-season games.

In other news:

Manchester City have secured experienced back-up for Shay Given, acquiring Stuart Taylor from Aston Villa on a free. Hopefully that will put the 'Lee Grant to Manchester City' rumour to bed, since Mark Hughes is pretty happy with what he's got: 'We are delighted to get a keeper of Stuart's calibre. He provides experience and reliability.'

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