OUT-of-favour midfielder Paul Weller is set to undergo surgery on his troublesome knee injury in the next few days.

The 24-year-old utility man is booked in to see a specialist on Monday after picking up the injury in a recent reserve game against Grimsby.

And provided he gets the all-clear, he will then undergo key-hole surgery to clear up the problem which is likely to keep him out of action for up to three weeks.

"It's just a tidying up job, really," said Weller.

"I had a similar operation a couple of years ago and I was back in action again two and a half weeks later.

"So, hopefully, this time it will be as quick again."

This latest set-back is just another chapter in what has been a nightmare season for Weller so far.

After battling his way back from a serious intestinal problem which kept him out for most of last season, his first team opportunities have been limited to just a handful of cameo roles so far this term.

Then, manager Stan Ternent told him he could leave Turf Moor and placed him on the transfer list.

But his chances of finding a new club have been hit by this latest blow.

"It's been a very frustrating spell because I've been injury free all season," said Weller.

"Then, all of a sudden, as soon as I go on the transfer list with people coming to watch me, I pick up a knee injury.

"So I've got to get that sorted out and then get back playing as many games as possible."

After falling out of favour with Ternent, Weller accepts he now needs to move on to kick-start his career.

But once he is back to full fitness he would still jump at the chance of helping the Clarets win promotion, if the Burnley boss gave him the call. "If the gaffer requires me in the first team then I would love to play," said Weller.

"But I've just got to wait and see what happens because I don't know what the future holds.

"I think it's got to the stage where I've got to leave to progress my career.

"Before this injury I was fit for quite a while but I didn't really play many games.

"I've had the odd game here and there but have never kept my place.

"So I think it's time for a move but, in the meantime, hopefully I can try and help the team if the gaffer decides he needs me."

With the current buzz surrounding the club, Weller has found it even harder to deal with being left out in the cold.

But he would love the chance to play in the same side as the former Arsenal legend.

"There's a great buzz at the club at the minute following the arrival of Ian Wright.

"Fans are flocking down to the training ground and the atmosphere has been brilliant.

"So I imagine being on the pitch with him would be an absolute buzz with all the crowd behind you."

Wrightmania has also captured the imagination of Ternent and he is in no hurry to see the fans' frenzy die down.

"The hype with Ian doesn't bother me," said Ternent.

"It's good for the club, good for the fans, and good for the players. And I don't suppose it will die down as long as Ian is here."

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