March 26 2009

Sean Scannell

Crystal Palace winger Sean Scannell is set to miss the rest of the season for a hernia operation.

The Irish youngster has been forced to sit out the last four matches after sufferring the problem in the recent victory over Preston.

Manager Neil Warnock has confirmed Scannell will undertake surgery before the end of the Eagles' campaign so he is fresh for next season.

He said: "Sean has a hernia problem and it is looking highly likely that he will need an operation before the end of the season.

"Initial scans show that he has a problem - but he will see a specialist next Tuesday to determine the best course of action to take.

"If surgery is required then he will have it before the end of the season which would rule him out of the rest of this season - but would mean he will be fit to start pre-season."

Midfielder Shaun Derry will also miss the end of the season to undergo a shoulder operation.