Last Updated: Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:07
Gary O'Neil is set to delay a badly needed hernia operation for up to a month to help ease Middlesbrough's midfield injury problems.
The 26-year-old was due to go under the knife on Tuesday after battling on with the problem late in pre-season and as a substitute in Friday's Championship opener. However, following revelations that Didier Digard has a small tear in his groin after limping off against the Blades, O'Neil will delay his own treatment to continue playing.
Southgate told the club's website: "Gary was due to have a hernia op today.
"But he is now going to play through it for another week at least.
"He's been suffering some pain so that's why we didn't start him against Sheffield United, but he feels a little better after Friday."
He added: "Given the injury to Didier, Gary wants to try and help the team by remaining available.
"So the plan now is for him to have the op just before or after our game with Bristol City at the end of the month."
Digard is set to be missing until mid-September but Boro were boosted by the news that Rhys Williams should be fit to face Swansea on Saturday after recovering from a knock he suffered while making a block tackle in the second half against the Blades.
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