Lovell Has Op But Dons Still Decimated By Injury

Last updated : 28 September 2006 By Stand Free Ed

STEVE Lovell had surgery on his problem groin yesterday in order to finally end his injury nightmare.

However the Dons are still a few weeks away from having a fully fit squad, and a depleted team will yet again be in action at the weekend.

Lovell's operation was the same as Scott Severin and Jamie Smith had this year and with Severin back playing regularly and Smith quickly back in training, things look promising for last season's top scorer.

Dons boss Jimmy Calderwood said that while Lovell will now be out till November, Jamie Smith has a chance of returning against Kilmarnock. He also gave some good news about Richie Byrne, who collapsed in agony at the end of last Sunday's game.

He told RedWeb: "Byrne's scan has shown that his injury is not as bad as first feared which is fantastic news. He should hopefully be back for the Kilmarnock game, which is the same for Touzani and possibly Jamie Smith.

"Lovell got his operation yesterday and out physio's have spoken to him and report that he is feeling fine and thinks it went well.

"I have said this before but we are without our two top scorers last season (Lovell and Smith) and we are still sticking in there.

"If we can get them back then I think we will be a different proposition for opposing teams as we will have more attacking options."