Key City defender John Ward is facing up to 3 months on the sidelines after doctors decided surgery is the only solution to a long-running hernia problem.

The 29 year old is waiting to go under the knife after playing through the pain of the injury for years.

Ward, who last played on August 14, may now not be back until nearer Christmas.

Manager Michael O'Neill said: "John needs surgery. It's not a football related hernia, but one he's had since he was younger."