Sam Vokes hopes his comeback from long-term knee injury can inspire crocked teammate Kevin Long.

Long is out until next season after suffered an identical setback in the draw at Newcastle last month.

Vokes said: : "It's an injury I wouldn't wish it on anyone, it's horrible. I remember where I was when I got that phone call to confirm the diagnosis, and it's not nice.

"I had a chat with Kevin the night he got the news and I talked him through it - it's tough to take but you have to get your head round it, and realise that it's going to be a nine month thing. I'll help him along the best I can.

"A lot of people that have returned from this injury, but 20 years ago you'd be lucky to get back out on the pitch again. You look for inspirational stories, and I'm back out there now."