Hume is currently in hospital after being caught by an elbow to the head from Sheffield United's Chris Morgan in their meeting at Oakwell on 8th November.

The former Leicester City man was unable to talk a great deal on Davey's last visit to hospital, but the Tykes boss is pleased the 25-year-old is now up and walking and was allowed to return home.

"He's getting better. When I was him he was talking and walking around the hospital bed," he said. "It'll be a long road to recovery, but I've seen him smiling again and that's the most important thing."

When asked whether Hume would be able to play again Davey is pleased with the striker's determination, but he believes health will come first and foremost.

"How long's a piece of string? You look at the injury and the severity of the scar and you've got to have doubts," he explained.

"Humey is one of those lads who wants to get back in as soon as possible and he's saying to me, 'I'll be back by Christmas gaffer'.

"He's got to look at his family. His health is the most important thing."