STRIKER Mark Owen will be the next St George's Lane player to go under the knife when he has the plate and screws removed from his ankle on Friday.

The Worcester City ace will take a month to recover and will begin rehabilitation in June.

Initially Owen had been due to have just a protruding screw removed but surgeons have decided to take everything out that was inserted following his broken leg and ankle sustained in October 2001 in an FA Cup third qualifying round clash at St Blazey.

"They think it's ready to all come out and I'm happy with that because it will save me going under again," said Owen.

Owen is hoping to recover his form and fitness next season after a disappointing campaign that has seen him score just three goals.

Injured Worcester City duo Pat Lyons and David Holmes are still waiting for dates for their operations on a hip flexor muscle and groin respectively.

Allan Davies was the latest City player to undergo surgery yesterday when the full back had an operation on his groin.

St George's Lane hosts the Worcester and District League's Phipps Cup final tonight (7.30), when Lamb and Flag take on Hanley Swan.