GYMNAST Craig Heap will undergo the fifth operation on his left elbow today as he bids to be fit for next year's Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

Heap, Britain's only gymnast at the Olympic Games in Sydney last year, was set to be operated on at Rugby Hospital this morning.

"When the surgeon operated on my elbow earlier this year, he said it was the last time but last week he said he wouldn't be defeated and was going to try something new," said the 28-year-old, whose injury has come about through wear and tear.

"So I'm optimistic. I seem to have spent my life in surgery recently! I've had 15 operations since I started gymnastics and five since the Olympics - and this is my fifth on this elbow.

"I'm hoping this will finally put it right."

British number one Craig, who was on television last week performing back flips on An Audience with Kylie Minogue, is setting his sights on at least four medals at the Commonwealth Games.

There is the team event, an individual prize for each of the six disciplines - pommel horse, vault, high bar, beam, floor and parallel bars - and the all-round prize.

"I want to go for all eight but realistically, I would be happy if I picked up three or four as there are gymnasts who will train for just one specific event.

"I would love to go for the all-round prize but it is the pommel horse that will cause me the problems and will be the one I drop if my elbow isn't right."

His main opponents in Manchester will be the Australians and Canadians.

He has beaten them at the Olympics - where he made the final cut of 36 and recorded a personal best over the six disciplines - and remains confident.

"I have kept track of my Canadian and Australian opponents and they are going forward this year while I have stood still or taken a step back and that is the frustrating thing.

"Britain is now perhaps ranked third in the Commonwealth Games behind them as they have beaten us in friendly contests between the two countries this year but I haven't been able to compete in these and I do hope I would make a difference."

Craig is hoping to be back in light training next week at the Thompson Centre in Burnley, where he started his career, before getting back to full training in a new complex in Newcastle by January.

"The Commonwealth trials are next year," he continued. "There are places for six gymnasts in the GB team and, because there are so many, I am confident despite all the setbacks.

"I injured my hand before the Olympics and got a PB so I know I have the right mental attitude. I want to be there."