Sports retailer Sports Direct (LON:SPD) is expected to post a strong set of full-year figures on Thursday, with underlying profit before tax set to rise by over 50 percent.

The hotly-anticipated full-year figures come after profits took a hit in the 2016-17 financial year, as the group struggled with sterling’s steep devaluation.

On Thursday however the group are expected to post a rise, with underlying profit said to have hit £103.18 million, up 55.1 percent on last year’s £66.5 million profit.

The store, which CEO Mike Ashley is trying to turn into the “Selfridges of Sport”, has dealt with several controversies over the last couple of months, including the boycotting of stores by Rangers fans and claims of a camera in a woman’s changing room.

Shares in Sports Direct are currently trading up 0.23 percent at 431.30 (1008GMT).