BLACKBURN defender Craig Short today vowed to be back in action as quickly as possible after undergoing surgery on his injured knee.

The former Everton defender is facing up to the prospect of at least a month on the sidelines following an operation to trim his cartilage last week.

The news has come as a major blow to manager Graeme Souness who also has fellow defenders Stig Bjornebye and John Curtis also nursing injuries.

But Short is confident he will make a quick recovery and re-join the fight for Premiership survival.

"It's very frustrating - especially as the season is just really getting underway and I had been looking forward to it so much," said Short.

"It was a fairly routine operation, so hopefully I can get back playing pretty soon.

"As far as these type of injuries go, I have been fairly lucky over the years.

"Look at Garry Flitcroft, I think he's had about 10 'ops' on one knee alone!"

Meanwhile, Souness could be ready to resurrect his interest in Lucien Mettomo as he steps up his search for defensive cover.

Rovers tried to sign the St Etienne defender last season only for the deal to fall through at the last minute following problems with his medical.

However, the Cameroon international is now thought to be back in the frame, although Souness could face competition from Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan if he decides to step up his interest.