GYMNAST Craig Heap faces a make or break operation which will decide if he goes for gold in the Commonwealth Games in Manchester next year.

The Burnley lad, who won a gold medal in Kuala Lumpar in 1998, will go under the surgeon's knife on June 12 for the fourth time to try and correct a persistent elbow injury.

"It's really all or nothing," said the 27-year-old, who celebrates his 28th birthday next month.

"I have now had four operations on my left elbow and if it doesn't work, that's it. I won't go through it again.

"It's just wear and tear and, although it doesn't affect me in every day life, I would struggle to compete.

"I could still take part in several of the disciplines for the team but I want to compete individually and go for all six, the all-round prize, like I planned."

The six events are the floor, high bar, rings, pommel horse, parallel bars and vault and Craig admits it will be a blow if he can't defend the gold medal.

"With it being in Manchester obviously I want to perform -- and my mum wants me too as well!

"The pommel horse is the main equipment which is causing me problems because of my elbow but there is nothing I can do until I have had the operation and can assess where I am at."

Craig was looking good for gold in Manchester after achieving his personal best at the Sydney Olympics last year and finishing 32nd as Great Britain's only male competitor, in a sport dominated by the Chinese and Russians.

It was the highlight of his gymnastic career -- and if it is his final bow, he admits he's ready to accept that.

"Whatever happens, I've got a Commonwealth gold, I've been to five World Cups and I got my personal best at the Olympics. "I loved the whole atmosphere in Sydney and that was what encouraged me to go for it again at Manchester.

"I had a brilliant time but if it is my last, then so be it. I have done enough to be satisfied and anything extra now is a bonus.

"But I want to see what happens after this operation. I want to give it a last chance as I don't want to be sat watching the Commonwealth Games thinking 'I wonder what would have happened it if I'd had the operation'.

"If it is unsuccessful I will have been forced to pull out, I've done all I can, and so I can't have any doubts."

The operations on Craig's elbow started before the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996 -- but he has also had surgery on his knee and, while under the knife for his elbow, he will also be having his shoulder done as well.

"I've been cut up plenty of times I'm used to it now!" he said. "I'll just keep my fingers crossed it is a success as gold at the Commonwealth Games would be a nice way to retire."