Leeds United defender Patrick Kisnorbo has been told he may need plastic surgery on the head wound that has left him wearing a protective head band since the end of August.

But the Australian international is willing to postpone an operation and battle through the pain to help League One leaders Leeds achieve promotion.

Kisnorbo, 28, has been a defensive lynchpin since arriving from Leicester in the summer and manager Simon Grayson describes him as a warrior.

Kisnorbo was again outstanding in the 1-0 Carling Cup third-round defeat against Liverpool on Tuesday night, earning widespread acclaim for his performance.

He said: “My head hurts every time I head the ball, but that is just something I have to deal with. It’s my job.

“I’ll keep wearing the headband for protection. I don’t like wearing it but if it prevents my head from being cut again, that’s fine.

“I was told when I went away with Australia that I may need plastic surgery, but at the moment there are bigger things to worry about than getting it done. It’s a massive season for me and for Leeds.”

Kisnorbo has helped Australia qualify for next summer’s World Cup finals and he is keen to secure his place in the squad that travels to South Africa.

“There are a lot of centre halves vying for places,” he said. “I am concentrating on doing my best for Leeds, then everything will take care of itself.”

Kisnorbo refused to feel sorry for himself after the Liverpool defeat.

“It was a bit sombre in our dressing room because we had chances to score but our main focus is the league, going to MK Dons on Saturday and coming away with a good result,” he said.

“Liverpool showed their Premiership class. They had a couple of chances and scored from one. Overall we were happy with the performance but disappointed with the result.

“We did ourselves justice, competing all over the pitch and showing our strength as a unit. We will take confidence from that display into the game at MK Dons.”