OWEN Coyle believes Chung-Yong Lee’s long-awaited return to training could give his side the perfect boost in their relegation fight.

Nine months after the South Korean star was stretchered off with a double fracture of his right leg in a pre-season friendly against Newport County, he has been given the green light to return to training with a view to playing some part in the final six games of the season.

Coyle admits the team has struggled without one of their prized assets but that his presence in training on Monday morning would give the side a timely lift.

“Chungy is supreme quality,” he said. “I thought he was going to be one of the shining lights of the Premier League this year and, sadly, it was taken away from him.

“But he has that mental strength to come back and show everyone else the quality he has. When he comes back he will give everyone a lift; one, with his quality and, two, he is a great lad.”

While Wanderers prepare to take on Swansea City at the Reebok today, Chung-Yong will be training at the Lostock Academy looking to prove his fitness in order to return to Coyle’s group on Monday.

Thursday’s reserve team game at home to West Brom could come too soon for the 23-year-old but the club are investigating the option of organising a behind-closed-doors friendly to give him some game time in the next few weeks.

Sam Ricketts reckons Chung-Yong’s return could also have a knock on effect on the terraces.

“It won't just boost the players but I'd think it would boost the fans,” he said. “They will know what he has brought to the team in seasons before.

“He's been highlighted as being one of the best young players in the Premier League and there are rumours about him being watched by the top four clubs before his injury, so that's the kind of player we're talking about.”

Ricketts returned from a nine-month spell on the sidelines in late December after suffering a couple of setbacks in his recovery. And he is advising his team-mate not to act hastily in a bid to get back to action.

“To have him back would be great but you can't rush him back having been away for so long,” he said.

“It will take him a little while and if he can get a game this season then that would be fantastic. If he can't then it is more important for his development to be right when he gets back.

“I can speak from experience because I was out for a long time with my Achilles and you can think you are ready to come back, but you are not.

“With it being so close to the season, he might just be able to manage one game, possibly two, I don't know what the medical staff think.

“But it would be a huge boost for someone of his quality to be back in the set up.”