Tom Kearney today revealed his despair at missing up to another two months of City's season.

The tenacious midfielder has already sat out the last nine games. Now he faces the prospect of a double hernia operation next Tuesday that will keep him sidelined until March.

"It's just been one thing after another," admitted Kearney, who lost a whole year when he damaged a cruciate ligament in his knee in August, 2002.

"I know it's part and parcel of football to get injuries but this is incredibly frustrating, especially after being out for that long before." Kearney, who signed a new two-year contract earlier in the season, felt the problem during the FA Cup defeat against Rushden in November. At the time it was only thought to be a groin strain.

He said: "I felt it coming on during the game but didn't think it was anything too serious.

"The next day when I woke up I was in agony but thought it would die down with a couple of days off training. I've just been doing rehab and trying to get fit for the past month but it still felt no better and that's why we went to see the specialist."

Kearney's worst fears were confirmed by a hospital visit to Manchester last week and now his patience will be further tested by an extended lay-off after the surgery.

"I'm going to be house-bound for a while and have to take it easy. But at least I know what it's all about after the knee injury.

"It's just a case of getting it done quickly and then hopefully I can come back pretty soon.

"You watch the team doing well and want to be part of it. But hopefully they can continue doing well and still be up there when I'm fit again.

"It's always better to come back into a good side rather than one down the bottom of the table. It would be nice if I could be back in time to help the lads reach the play-offs." Kearney's extended absence means City have no cover for Steve Schumacher and Lee Crooks in midfield. Colin Todd cannot bring in anyone else unless someone leaves because the player budget is full.

Todd said: "I can't do anything at the moment but I've got to say how pleased I am with the two boys playing in there now.

"Hopefully Tom won't be out too much longer. Dean Windass came back very quickly from the same thing.

"It was unexpected because we assumed it was a groin strain, but we can do nothing about it."