YORK City player-coach Neil Thompson is to have an operation on his troublesome Achilles next week.

Neil Thompson

It is hoped the exploratory surgery will finally provide a solution to the problem which has kept him out of action for almost two months.

But though providing some hope for the defender, it will mean at least another six weeks on the sidelines.

That is the worst possible news for Thompson and manager Alan Little who is struggling with just 16 fit professionals for tomorrow's trip to Bournemouth.

Little admits it is a problem he could have done without, but is also relieved that Thompson has a chance to end his weeks of frustration.

Said Little: "He needed six weeks to rest before making a decision so the operation couldn't have been done any earlier. He's trained for three or four days but it's still causing him problems.

"Hopefully the operation will clear it up, it should cure any problem he has. It's the quickest way to get him back."

Thompson first felt soreness in his Achilles after the 3-3 draw with Luton at Bootham Crescent on October 10. He returned three games later in the 5-0 hammering at Wigan but has not figured since.

Reaction to the injury in training prompted him to go in for the operation which will be carried out at York District Hospital next Thursday.

At 35, Thompson is not likely to have that long left in the game and Little accepts he is taking a risk.

"When you start having operations there's always a danger. Whatever age you are there's always a chance you won't recover but that's the risk you have to take," said Little.

Some good news for City is that two other injured defenders, Wayne Hall and Gary Himsworth, are close to a return.

Hall, who has been struggling with a hamstring injury, trained again yesterday and is rated by Little as "99 per cent certain" to be fit for next Saturday's big game at home to Manchester City.

Transfer-listed Himsworth, whose exile from the team lasted just three games before he picked up a groin strain, will be back in training next week.

That still doesn't solve the problems for tomorrow's game at Dean Court, which could be compounded by the possible absence of leading scorer Richard Cresswell.

Thirteen-goal Cresswell missed training yesterday with a bout of sickness but Little is hopeful he will recover in time.

All the club's 16 fit players will make the long journey south but the final line-up depends largely on the fitness of Cresswell.

If he does recover, Little still expects to revert to a 4-4-2 system despite the success of the three-pronged attack which helped secured City's first victory in 10 league games against Lincoln on Tuesday.

He explained: "I think 4-3-3 always leaves you a little open, particularly away from home. This Bournemouth side are a good footballing side and they can by-pass three front men very quickly.

"It's a good attacking system and is good at home but it's dangerous away from home when you often have to defend for long periods.

And I think we might have to go and defend."

City will be working on their set plays as Little believes they could have a major bearing on the game.

"Bournemouth are a small side, so there is a good chance for our big lads to do well. Set plays are going to be an important area.

"We also need to learn to kill teams off. We had a lot of chances against Lincoln to win easily and that's something we need to improve."

City's defence will have to keep an eye on Bournemouth's two in-form strikers. Mark Stein is the division's top scorer with 16 goals while his strike partner Steve Fletcher, just back from a hernia operation, was outstanding in the Auto Windscreens Shield win over Reading on Tuesday.

The Cherries' only absentee will be right back Neil Young who is serving a one-match ban for picking up five bookings. Former Manchester United player Mark Rawlinson is expected to deputise.

Fans planning to travel to Bournemouth are advised to keep an eye on the weather down south. There has been heavy rain in the town for the last three days which forced the postponement of a midweek reserve fixture and further downpours before Saturday could leave the match in doubt.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.