Striker Vokes starting the long road back

Vokes was ruled out for the rest of the season, and a portion of next term, after rupturing his anterior cruciate knee ligament against champions Leicester City at the end of March.

But with his operation going to plan, he is now on the road to recovery, with the carrot of top flight football a big motivation.

The 24-year-old’s spirits are high, especially after being named the supporters’ overall player of the year, and the 21-goal frontman smiled: “I’m good. It makes a difference with the lads sealing promotion.

“It’s going to be a long road back, but it’s one I’ll work hard on over the summer to get back - Premier League football’s a big incentive.

“There are exciting times coming up.”

But he is prepared to be patient as he works towards a return: “Apart from coming into the club, I’ve been sat on my sofa for four weeks so it’s been quite boring, and it was good to get out (to the supporters’ clubs’ awards).

“I’m slowly walking up and down on it, I managed to stand on it for a few photos, which was good.

“It’s going to be a long road back but one I’m looking forward to.

“I can’t put a time on it, it’s going to be a lengthy one.

“I’d love to put a time on it and give myself a date, but I’m not sure yet.

“It’s important to get it right, that’s the main thing.

“I don’t want l come back and have any niggles or other injuries.

“It’s important to get it right and enjoy a lot of Premier League football.”

Vokes went to see a surgeon for a check-up on Wednesday morning, and he has been buoyed by his teammates getting over the line in his absence: “I didn’t go to the Blackpool game because it was quite close to my operation - it was only a week after.

“I was here for the Wigan game, but that took a lot out of me. It was my first trip out of the house.

“I was a bit pale afterwards but I think all the dancing around on my crutches had a lot to do with it!

“But I wouldn’t have wanted to miss it. It was an emotional day for everyone.”

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