Matthew Le Tissier's season is now over after Saints decided to bring forward his hernia operation.

The Dell hero was due to have surgery after the final game at home to Wimbledon but will now go under the knife next week.

The injury has become increasingly troublesome in recent weeks and, with the club now safe from all threat of relegation, they have decided there is no point in delaying any further.

Manager Glenn Hoddle said: "Unfortunately it has been three steps forward and four steps back with Matt. The important thing is that he gets this operation out of the way and then gets back fit again.

"Hopefully he will get a clear run through the summer and can then get fully fit in pre-season so he is right for the new campaign."

That rules Le Tissier out of tomorrow's game at Liverpool along with James Beattie (ankle) and Stuart Ripley (knee) but Jason Dodd still hopes to shake off his knee problem.

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