"His knee has been floored, that's the best way to put it.
"Given the circumstances we've made the decision to have further surgery on the knee and make sure he's 100% by next season.
"He's probably out for the rest of the season and we think all will be OK after that.
"This is a slightly different operation this time, it's a mechanical thing.
"He's got a niggle in the knee, it doesn't feel right. We could push, push and push him to play until the end of the season but we don't want him to come back in the summer and it not be right.
"We've got the opportunity to do it now, correct it and make sure he's right for pre-season."
"Hunty's form does soften the blow because he's played well, but it could be that with Bobby waiting in the wings that was why Hunty did well. So now he's got to keep his game at the level without the direct competition."