Craig Slater admits his long-standing groin and hernia problems became too much to manage after surgery ruled him out for the rest of the season.

But the Colchester United midfielder has vowed to return a better player and wants to support his team-mates in the final two months of the campaign.

Having played through the pain barrier for several weeks, Slater finally underwent an operation last Thursday which is expected to keep him out of action for three months.

The 22-year-old, who has been a consistent performer for the U’s this season, admits it is frustrating to miss their vital League Two run-in.

But the former Kilmarnock man is remaining positive and admits it is a relief to finally get it sorted.

Slater told the Daily Gazette: “It’s frustrating but it’s part and parcel of football.

“I’ve been carrying it for a wee while, so it was good to get it sorted and now that I’ve had the operation, I know that I’ll be pain free and that’s a massive thing for me.

“It’s mixed emotions because it’s a relief to have it done now as it’s been on my mind for quite a while but obviously disappointing to be out.

“In the weeks running up to the Accrington game, I’d had conversations about it with the manager and the physio Tony Flynn. It became too much and we all decided that it would be good to get it done. I had a similar type of problem before but that affected a different part of my groin. I’ve had it going back a year and a half and it caused another part of my groin to flare up.

“I’ve had it all season but it’s been a case of managing it.

“It’s just that when the games come thick and fast like they have done for us recently, it becomes a problem.

“But it’s good to know that I’m already on the road to recovery and I’ll come back better for it.”

Slater says he will be fully behind his Colchester team-mates in the coming weeks as they aim to win promotion back to League One.

He said: “I’m a positive person and I’ll keep going and supporting the boys.

“I’ll keep myself in and around the club and make sure I’m supporting the boys and everyone is in it together – we need everyone encouraging each other.

“I want to be at the games and part of it with the boys as much as possible.

“Every little bit helps and I’ll be there for the Portsmouth game supporting the boys to hopefully three points.

“The goal is to be pushing for at least the play-offs and it’s up to the boys who are out there and coming into the side now to stake their claim.”