DARREN Pratley could miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to remove scar tissue on his ankle.

The club skipper was poised for a first-team comeback after fracturing his ankle on the opening day of the season against Sheffield United.

But after the midfielder reported problems after training the club has now decided he will go under the knife to clear the problem once and for all.

Speaking after his side had gone out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace, Phil Parkinson confirmed: “There is some scar tissue around the original injury which has been restricting his movement.

“He has been training alright but then in pain after training. It would have been okay if the tissue had broke itself up but after the weekend we thought ‘okay, let’s get it done.’

“It is a shame for him and us.”

If Pratley is out for the season, Wanderers could appeal to the Football League to free up another space for a potential signing.

Wanderers fought valiantly at Selhurst Park, taking the lead through James Henry in the 48th minute before £32million striker Christian Benteke came off the bench to score twice in eight minutes.

“I’m very proud of the lads – over the course of the two games we’ve taken a Premier League side right to the wire,” he said.

“First half I thought we defended very well, soaked up a lot of pressure, but still had a couple of chances.

“But then after half time I think we got a bit more belief and did both sides of the game really well.

“They put the £30million striker on to score – but ironically at that point I felt really comfortable. It was such a shame that two quickfire goals have cost us but we still had chances, with Cloughy.

“But over the course of the two games – this isn’t a squad that should be down the bottom of the league when you look at the quality they have got.

“They fought hard and I think they should take enormous credit for the way they played over the course of the two games.”