Former Southend United skipper Phil Whelan is facing a make-or-break meeting with a specialist after being sidelined for four months with a knee injury.
Phil Whelan - crunch meeting with medics over his right knee
The towering defender, who has made 119 appearances at the centre of Blues' rearguard, plans to meet up with medical chiefs in the next two weeks.
But the former England under-21 star said he was determined to carry on playing and was not contemplating retirement just yet.
"I want to keep on playing as long as I can, but I need to see what the specialist has to say about my right knee," said Whelan.
"I've already had four operations on this knee and to be honest I don't really want to have another one.
"But I am having problems. I can't kick a ball at the moment or do any running that involves twisting and turning. And I want to get the problem sorted out once and for all.
"Obviously, I realise this could be a make-or-break meeting with the specialist regarding my football career," Whelan added.
"But you have to remain positive. I'm only 31 years old and I'm hoping he will tell me I can keep on playing for a few years yet."
His last first team Shrimpers appearance was the 1-0 defeat at Carlisle on January 4, when injury forced him off the pitch during the second-half.
More on Southend United FC
What are your views on Southend? Have your say on our Views on the Blues bulletin board.
Published Friday, April 25, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article