By Tony Harrison

Last updated 17:43, Wednesday, 14 May 2008

WORKINGTON TOWN'S Neil Frazer is to have a back operation in the next fortnight in a bid to save his career.

Back problem: Neil Frazer

The former Seaton Amateur Gus, 32, who is in his eighth season at Derwent Park, played his last game for Town in December, in the Ike Southward Memorial game against Haven.

He said: “I'm relieved that I now know what the problem is and can get it sorted out. I thought it was a calf problem at first as the pain was down one side of my leg.

“Then it seemed to be a touch of sciatica as the pain spread. But I went to Newcastle for a second opinion and underwent an MRI scan at the end of March.

“Two weeks later, I was told by the specialist in Newcastle that I needed an operation to remove part of a disc. He also said that my back would be no weaker after the op so I am hoping to be fit a ready for next season,” added the three-quarter who was last season voted the News & Star readers' player of the year.

Frazer, a maintenance worker at Sellafield, has been off work nine weeks.

The former Town captain, who also spent three seasons at Haven, is hoping that Town will renew his contract which runs out at the end of this season.

Town coach Dave Rotheram said: “Gus has been a big miss. We have been light on three-quarters and to be without a player of his ability, experience and leadership qualities has been a big negative this season.

“The operation is the last resort but he has been told that he could be back in light training three or four weeks after.”