PLAYERS' player of the year Scott Rhodes may miss the start of York City Knights' season after it was revealed he needs shoulder surgery.

Confirmation of his injury has meant he will also have to sit out Scotland's remaining matches in the current European Nations Cup series.

The stand-off will undergo keyhole surgery on November 8 to have a tear in a joint in his right shoulder stitched.

"The specialist confirmed a tear in my shoulder and I've decided to get the operation done and dusted so I can be fit for the start of York's season," said the 24-year-old. "I might have to miss a few games but I'm hoping things will go okay."

"How quick I'm back depends how it goes. The specialist will have a look and operate and it depends how bad the tear is."

Rhodes is likely to be in a sling for six weeks and it could take three to four months to heal, depending how many stitches are needed. No start date has been confirmed for next season but if it is early February like this year, then it will be touch and go whether Rhodes returns for the big kick-off.

Updated: 10:45 Saturday, October 30, 2004