Workington star Jarrod Stack has never been as frustrated as he is now – side-lined and unable to strike a blow in Town’s relegation fight.

The popular Australian has not played since the middle of June when he underwent a shoulder operation after continuing problems on and off the field.

He said: “The shoulder kept dislocating and it even kept coming out of joint turning over in bed so I had to have the operation. It’s the longest time I’ve had off from playing and it’s so frustrating, especially the way the season has gone.

“I had an operation four years ago but that was in the winter and I was able to start playing again the following season.”

Stack was at the Zebra Claims Stadium on Sunday to see Town lose their local derby with Whitehaven and knows they face a stiff task in getting clear of the bottom two.

“We really need to win three of the last four games to have a chance of staying-up. What makes it so disappointing is the fact that if we had been able to use our full squad all season there is no way we would have been in this position.

“The injuries have definitely made a difference to our performances this season. Every club would have suffered if they had lost as many players as we have,” said Stack.

Stack joined Town in 2009 and in two year’s time will be granted a much deserved testimonial.

Meanwhile, Town’s two main injury concerns after Sunday’s derby will continue to be monitored in the build-up to the Bank Holiday Monday clash at Swinton.

Both Callum Phillips and Matty Gee had to leave the action early after suffering problems on the field and both would be key figures in the relegation battle against the Lions.

Town director Gary Mounsey said: “Callum has an ankle injury which will be treated and assessed in the next few days. It’s a similar story with Matty who picked-up a rib injury.”