Youngster Scott Barron is facing two months on the sidelines after undergoing an operation on a persistent groin problem. Better news is that central defender Gerard Nash is back in training.

Barron made his senior debut in the Carling Cup tie against Brentford earlier in the season but since then the 19-year-old defender has suffered with the injury.

Physio Dave Williams told the club site that surgery was eventually decided to be the best course of action: "He's had problems with the injury since September and has had various rest periods to try and clear it up.

"He returned to training a few weeks ago but was still complaining of pain so, after scans and seeing a specialist, it was decided that surgery was the next step."

Meanwhile, Irish central defender Gerard Nash is once again back in training after an abortive return to action in September.

The 18-year-old had his second cruciate ligament operation last season and returned to action but soon after damaged a medial ligament and subsequently spent more time out with a cartilage problem.

Williams says Nash, who made his senior debut in the 6-1 home win against Burnley last season, is working with a specialist on reducing the pressure he puts on his knees: "He is doing rehab work on his movement. It is designed to cut down stress on the joints and as ever Gerard is working very hard at it.

"The medial ligament is not a problem anymore and, although Gerard had a cartilage worry for a while, that has cleared up without surgery and he should be back playing again in January."

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