Graeme Murty could miss the rest of the season after undergoing a further operation on his injured ankle.

The 35-year-old was signed by Saints at the start of the season but has been limited to just eight appearances due to injury.

Murty, now forging a career as a TV pundit, is out of contract in the summer so will have to make a strong return to convince the club to hand him a new deal.

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Saints have cover at right back having signed Jon Otsemobor as well as having Wayne Thomas and Lloyd James who can also fill that role.

Alan Pardew knew Murty well from their time together at Reading but Murty had been struggling with injuries for a while, only playing nine games in 2008/09.

Pardew felt his experience would help the team in this campaign and the veteran played well when injury allowed but he has not figured since the start of December.

Murty’s most prolific spell came at Reading where he is a hero having played over 300 games for the Royals in 11 years at the club. He has also won four caps for Scotland.