Norwich City legend Wes Hoolahan has had to have surgery on his ankle after a disappointing start to his time in Australia with Newcastle Jets.

The 37-year-old signed a one-year deal with the A-League club but went off injured as the Jets were knocked out of the FFA Cup quarter-finals at Adelaide United. With the league season due to start next month, the former Republic of Ireland international is set to miss the first half of the campaign.

A Jets statement explained: "Scans taken in the following days have shown the Irishman suffered major ligament and cartilage damage throughout his right ankle.

"Hoolahan underwent surgery in Sydney on Monday, and will now begin the rehabilitation phase of his recovery.

"Estimated return to play timeframes will be established by the club's medical staff in consultation with the surgeon, but it is expected that Hoolahan won't feature in the Hyundai A-League until the new year."