Michael Bailey Winger David Bell has admitted he needs surgery to cure the ankle problem that blighted the start of his Norwich City career - but is hoping to put it off until the summer.

Michael Bailey

Winger David Bell has admitted he needs surgery to cure the ankle problem that blighted the start of his Norwich City career - but is hoping to put it off until the summer.

The 24-year-old sat out the first two months of the current campaign after joining from Luton Town because of an ankle injury, a problem the midfielder had when putting pen to paper for City boss Glenn Roeder in July.

Bell finally made his debut against Derby County at the start of October and has gone on to make 15 appearances in a yellow shirt, but despite regaining his match fitness, the niggling injury has not gone away - that will only happen if the midfielder goes under the knife and spends an extended spell on the sidelines.

“Basically, I need to get my operation done,” revealed Bell. “That was stated at the start of the season, but I'm just trying to play as many games as I can before I do need it doing, and at the moment it feels good.

“When I went to the specialist, his view on it was that it needs doing. If I were to carry on and play games, it wouldn't get any worse, but it wouldn't necessary get any better either.

“He said if you can cope with it then fine, and the only thing I was concerned about was will it get any worse with playing. He said no and that was enough for me really.

“I'd been out long enough at the start of the season, so I just wanted to crack on and get playing and play as many games as I could. I've played a few games now so I don't mind telling people the situation. But I didn't want to use that as an excuse, that I'm carrying an injury.

“I'll have maybe a couple of days' rest in the week, just for my ankle to calm down after games, but it feels really good and hopefully I can hang on until the end of the season and get my operation done in the summer.

“I've played quite a few games now, people have seen me play and I just want to be open and upfront with people about my injury.”

After having a long wait to make his Canary debut, Bell was determined to avoid another spell on the treatment table. However, with two Championship games in 50 hours over the festive period - Boxing Day's trip to Crystal Palace preceding the visit of Nottingham Forest on Sunday - the winger knows it will be a tough test of his fitness.

“We're managing the injury but it is going to be difficult this weekend, with two games in three days,” admitted Bell. “I wouldn't have thought I'd do much on Saturday, just trying to recover, ice my ankle, anti-inflammatories and hopefully I'll be available on Sunday for selection.

“The ankle feels good and I'm playing games at the moment, which is what I'm happy about. I just want to see it through and I want to play for the rest of the season, playing in every possible game.

“I think there is maybe a little bit of floating bone in there but hopefully I can see the season through and get it done in the close season with a bit of luck.”