SCUNTHORPE United utility man Garry Thompson needs surgery to finally try to cure the troublesome groin injury that has dogged him all season.

But the 30-year-old player insists it won't rule him out for the rest of the campaign – and he could then be back in a month's time for a part to play in the Iron's battle for Championship survival.

That's got to be good news for United, who saw the scoring power of Thompson as key this season following the departure last summer of Paul Hayes and Gary Hooper.

But first, he has to go and consult another specialist just to make sure that pains he has been suffering in his thigh are symptoms of his main injury – and not being caused by something else.

If there is a separate problem in the thigh, then the two bits of surgery will be done at the same time when Thompson goes into hospital early next week.

"I saw a different surgeon last week and it was decided it was better if I had an operation," said the United star.

"I have a ligament which attaches onto my pelvis which has moved.

"The surgeon thinks that may be the cause of why I am getting a few pains which go down my thigh.

"But I also need to go and see a thigh specialist too, just to make sure that if I do need any surgery there, then it can be done at the same time.

"I am hoping I won't need that.

"I am hoping the procedure I am going to have will eradicate that.

"Fingers crossed I will only need the one bit of surgery and I should then be back playing in about three weeks."

Thompson (pictured) is hoping he can finally see a bit of light at the end of what has been a long, dark injury tunnel for him this campaign.

He has started just four games all season – much to the frustration of both him and manager Ian Baraclough.

"I seem to have hit a road block every time I have tried to come back," said Thompson.

"I have been out for a massive part of the season.

"At least I know now what the problem is and surgery is the course I am now going to go down.

"I am a very strong-willed person. I am going to stay positive.

"I know now that I am getting the right treatment.

"The procedure I am going to have will put the ligament back to where it used to be and reinforce it to make it stronger.

"My aim then is to be back in action by the end of February or beginning of March-ish!"