SCUNTHORPE United's flagging fortunes this season have been mirrored by the fitness frustrations of utility man Garry Thompson.

He was the player pencilled in for a key goal-scoring role for the Iron after ending the previous campaign in a rich vein of form.

But after netting his side's first goal of the season in the opening day 2-1 victory at Reading, it has been downhill since then for the 30-year-old star.

He has started only three Championship games since because of a nagging groin problem – and now faces a trip to another top specialist next week to try to end his injury nightmare.

No-one is more frustrated than Thompson at having to watch his Iron team-mates struggle on the pitch while he can do nothing about it.

"I am going to see a surgeon in Manchester who is meant to be the best in his field with these type of injuries," said the United ace.

"He has sorted out a lot of players and it was he who dealt with Sam Togwell when he had a hernia problem.

"I am just hoping he can sort me out by putting his finger on what is causing all the little niggles I am suffering."

Thompson has tried to come back several times – but each time has broken down.

“It’s something I need to get right because I cannot keep coming back and playing the odd game and then being out again,” he confessed.

“I need to make sure I am 100 per cent ready whether it takes a week or six weeks.

“I will listen to what the surgeon says – but hopefully it won’t mean an operation.

“That’s something I have been trying not to think of and I am positive it won’t be the case.

“I haven’t written off this season at all.

“I am desperate to be back out there with the lads, doing my bit and helping to keep this football club in the Championship.”

Thompson believes the injury he suffered at the start of the season is similar to the one picked up by Chelsea and England midfield star Frank Lampard, who is still nursing his way back to full match fitness.

“Unfortunately, for whatever reason, I have struggled to get over it,” the United man continued.

“When you do come back from a major injury like that, you often pick up other little niggles and that is what has been happening to me.

“It’s hard. I am getting to the point where I know a little niggle can lead to something else.

“A couple of years ago I would have tried to keep playing, but now I have the maturity to know different.

“I have tried to get over these niggles but unfortunately I keep coming unstuck.

“It’s a case of having to be mentally right too I suppose, to make yourself come in and keep doing the work.

“But I am quite strong-willed and I won’t stop trying to get myself fit.

“It’s such a contrast from this time last year when I was in the team, playing well, scoring goals and seemed to be making good progress.

“This season I have had to take a back seat which is something I did not want to do.”