WORCESTER City midfielder Darren Middleton was due to have keyhole surgery today in a bid to clear up his troublesome knee.

The midfielder had been given the green light to resume training but the knee flared up again after a weekend fitness session and his consultant booked him in for an operation.

Middleton, although frustrated at yet another delay in his comeback, which has seen him out of action since the Mangotsfield United game on November 3, was pleased to be finally getting a chance to clear it up once and for all.

"There is some irritation but hopefully it is just scar tissue and nothing more serious and it can be cleaned up," he said.

"It might be a slight tear of the cartilage but either way it will be good to get it sorted.

"I can't say when I'll be back but Robbie Savage had the same operation and was back playing within 10 days but he's a bit of a nutter and I'm more level-headed."

Striker Mark Owen's return to action has been delayed after a further crack was revealed in his broken leg but the City favourite is seeking a third opinion to clarify the exact situation.

"A little crack has showed up that wasn't spotted before and it means I'm out a bit longer than I first thought," he said.

"I had planned to start rehabilitation again in March but it might be put back to pre-season which is what I had expected anyway.

"I'm not too worried, it means I can have a few beers over Christmas and enjoy some extra Christmas pudding," he added.