Shrewsbury Town midfielder Craig Disley is eager to avoid going under the surgeon’s knife – after being told his ongoing hip injury is worse than first feared.

The 29-year-old has been out since helping Town to a 4-0 win over Hereford back on November 23.

He was scheduled to return to training last week but has now been told to rest for a further three weeks in order to give the problem a chance of resolving itself.

Disley missed a large chunk of last season through injury but had been a first team regular this term, netting two goals in October.

The latest setback has rocked the former Bristol Rovers man, though he is confident that he can return without resorting to surgery.

“I’ve seen the specialist and he’s pretty sure it will heel itself,” Disley revealed.

“An operation is a possibility but the specialist isn’t keen on doing that and I’m pretty confident that it won’t be necessary.

“That’s the worst case scenario really, and it’s something I’m desperate to avoid.

“I could be out for three or four months if I had an operation and I don’t want that to happen,” he added.

“I had to watch enough football last season because of injuries and it’s going to be a frustrating few weeks because this is a great time of year to be a footballer with lots of games coming up.”

Meanwhile, a strong Town second string drew 0-0 with Accrington Stanley at the Greenhous Meadow yesterday afternoon.

Winger Lionel Ainsworth was given a full 90 minutes as he continues his return to full fitness.

And he was praised by manager Graham Turner after making an impact as a substitute in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Cheltenham.

“Lionel put four excellent crosses in on Saturday,” said Turner.

“He’s physically fit but he hadn’t been looking at his best in training and was struggling to get his touch and tempo going.

“But I threw him on on Saturday and I thought he did very well.

“At his best he’s almost unstoppable.”

By CHRIS HUDSON