WILL Hoskins went under the knife yesterday in a bid to relieve ongoing pain associated with a groin injury.

The Oxford United striker avoided surgery in September when he suffered the original problem, which kept him out for four months, but reported discomfort after returning to the starting line-up a fortnight ago.

Head coach Michael Appleton was keen to stress the procedure was minor and expected the 28-year-old back in training within two weeks.

He said: “It’s about having a tendon or a muscle snipped to relieve a little bit of pressure around the groin area.

“It’s got to a point where Will wants to try and eliminate all possibilities which could be restricting him in that area.

“Once he’s done that we’ll make a more sensible decision with him.

“It is obviously very frustrating from my point of view and his.

“I think this is the last one in terms of whatever his injury is, this is the last thing that can be done, or will be done.

“Then it will be down to him to see if he can put up with the discomfort he’s feeling at the minute.”