ACCRINGTON STANLEY skipper Peter Cavanagh is targeting a Boxing Day return after undergoing a hernia operation yesterday.

The 26-year-old has been playing through the pain barrier in recent weeks but went under the knife this week to coincide with Stanley's enforced break in their programme after being knocked out of the FA Cup.

But after successfully coming through the operation, Cavanagh is already aiming to get his place back in the side for the trip to Grimsby.

He said: "I've been playing through the pain but it's been getting worse in the last few matches so I had to have it done.

"This was the best time to have it done to be honest. There's a bit of a break until our next game and having it done now means I'll probably only miss about four games.

"I've been pleased with my form this season so it's disappointing that I'm having to miss a few games."

But Cavanagh added that he believed he would have a fight on his hands to reclaim his place once he got back into contention.

He said: "Leam Richardson played at right-back on Saturday but we've got a few players who will be able to play there so the manager will have it covered.

"We've got a lot of good players in the squad so I know I'll have to fight to try and get my place back.

"And I'm hoping that's the case because if someone comes in and does well, then the team is doing well, and that's what we all want."